Chicago Family Immigration Lawyer
Guiding Families Through Immigration in Cook County
Ray Law International is pleased to offer family immigration services. With over 20 years of experience in the field, our Chicago family immigration lawyers have been honored to represent families throughout the immigration process and witness incredible success stories.
While it may seem that retaining the services of a Chicago family immigration lawyer can be expensive and unnecessary, it is incredibly important to consider the benefit that a trustworthy attorney can provide. When your and your loved ones’ futures are on the line, you can never use too much precaution. Ray Law International has a proven track record of success and is dedicated to our client’s interests and well-being.
Our Chicago Immigration Services
We offer a full range of immigration services and are happy to be able to provide legal counsel and representation for any family-based immigration matter. Our team focuses on delivering knowledgeable and thoughtful guidance throughout every step of the immigration process, and we are regarded for our compassionate practices.
We regularly help immigrants and their families obtain the following visas:
- IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
- IR-2: Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of a U.S. Citizen
- IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen
- IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen
- IR-5: Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old
Immigration law, processes, and systems are in constant flux. It is always easy for mistakes to happen in the application process, even more so when the applicant is not updated on these regulations and procedures.
Any oversight in the application process can result in loss of time, money, and even the loss of the possibility of being approved. This is especially important to keep in mind, as there are only a limited number of visas available for some family-based immigration applicants each year due to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Explore Family-Based Immigration Visa Options
Family-based immigration visas allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States. These visas facilitate the reunification of families by allowing qualifying relatives to obtain lawful permanent resident status (Green Card).
1. Spouse Visas (CR-1, IR-1)
- CR-1 Visa: Conditional Resident Spouse Visa for spouses married for less than two years.
- IR-1 Visa: Immediate Relative Spouse Visa for spouses married for more than two years.
2. Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1)
- K-1 Visa: Fiancé(e) of U.S. citizens intending to marry within 90 days of arrival.
3. Parent and Child Visas (IR-2, IR-5)
- IR-2 Visa: Immediate Relative Child Visa for unmarried children under 21 years of age.
- IR-5 Visa: Immediate Relative Parent Visa for parents of U.S. citizens.
4. Sibling Visas (F4)
- F4 Visa: Sibling of U.S. citizens, subject to annual numerical limits
The Family Immigration Process
The family immigration process can be complex, involving several stages. Our Chicago family immigration attorneys are here to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring all forms are filed correctly, deadlines are met, and the necessary documentation is submitted.
Here's an overview of what you can expect:
Adjustment of Status (Green Card Applications)
If your family member is already in the United States on a temporary visa, they may be eligible to apply for a green card through the adjustment of status process. This allows individuals to change their immigration status from a non-immigrant (temporary) visa holder to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) without needing to leave the U.S. The process begins with filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), which will be evaluated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants will need to provide various documents such as proof of relationship, employment, and financial support, as well as undergo a medical examination. Once the application is reviewed and approved, the applicant will receive their green card and become a permanent resident of the U.S. The adjustment of status process can be quicker and more convenient for those already in the U.S. compared to consular processing, as it avoids the need for travel abroad, although it still requires meeting eligibility criteria and clearing any potential immigration issues.
Consular Processing
If your family member is currently residing outside of the United States, they will typically need to go through consular processing to obtain a family-based immigrant visa. Consular processing requires the family member to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country or country of residence. The first step involves the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), which, once approved, will initiate the visa application process at the consulate. Your relative will need to gather required documents, such as birth certificates, police clearances, and medical records, and attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. If everything is in order and the visa is approved, the applicant will receive their immigrant visa and be allowed to travel to the United States, where they can be admitted as a lawful permanent resident upon entry. Although consular processing often takes longer than adjustment of status, it remains the primary route for family members living abroad to join their relatives in the U.S.
What is Family-Based Immigration?
Family-based immigration is a process by which a family member with either U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence status who is 21 years or older (the petitioner) files an immigrant visa petition for their family member (the beneficiary).
The types of family relationships that qualify for family-based immigration petitions are different for U.S. citizens and legal residents (green card holders), as green card holders have a smaller and more specific set of relatives for whom they are permitted to file petitions.
Contact Us Today
The attorneys at Ray Law International are committed to providing clients in the United States and abroad with effective, innovative immigration solutions. We find fulfillment in advocating for our clients by helping them understand the immigration process and reach their goals. We offer services in English, Spanish, and Japanese.