Family Immigration Lawyer Chicago

Family Immigration Law Explained

Starting a new life in the U.S. with family is a dream for many. The Chicago-based family immigration lawyers at SimVisa excel at helping clients with family-based immigration.

The United States government offers family-based visas to reunite citizens and lawful permanent residents with close family members. Understanding the different types of visas is crucial to finding the one that best suits your situation and purposes.

Immediate relative visas offer a faster path for spouses, parents, and unmarried minor children of U.S. citizens. Family preference categories open the door for other family members but come with longer wait times and quotas. Our experienced team can help you understand your options.

What Is Family-Based Immigration?

Family-based immigration allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency in the United States through family relationships with American citizens or permanent residents residing in the U.S. The process begins with the sponsoring relative filing an immigration petition on behalf of a loved one, the beneficiary.

U.S. citizens can sponsor:

• Spouses
• Children under 21 (if married before turning 18)
• Parents (for sons/daughters over 21)
• Sons or daughters over 21
• Brothers or sisters

Permanent residents can sponsor:

• Spouses
• Unmarried children
• Spouse's unmarried children under 21

A skilled immigration lawyer with SimVisa can explain each of these immigration pathways in greater detail.

The Role of Family Immigration Lawyers

The legal process involved in reuniting with family in the U.S. can be overwhelming. That's where SimVisa’s experienced family immigration lawyers come in.

Our lawyers have an intimate knowledge of the relevant legal requirements, visa categories, and ever-changing immigration laws. They can guide you through every crucial step, from the initial consultation to filing your application and preparing for interviews.

Don't risk delays or denials due to mistakes in paperwork or a lack of legal understanding. Our experience can help ensure that your application is complete and compliant, increasing your chances of success.

Challenges in Family-Based Immigration: How SimVisa Can Help

Reconnecting with your loved ones shouldn't feel like an impossible task. Our experienced lawyers know how to overcome common hurdles, including the following.

Proving a Bona Fide Marriage (for Spouse Visas)

You’ll be expected to provide strong evidence demonstrating a genuine relationship with your loved one. Our team can help you tell a compelling story.

Long Waiting Periods

Family visas often have lengthy processing times. We’ll inform you about average wait times and keep you updated at every stage.

Complex Application Procedures

The family-based immigration application process can be complicated and potentially confusing. Our lawyers will ensure that your application is complete and accurate and meets all legal requirements.

Interview Jitters

You or your loved ones may be asked to submit to an interview with USCIS officials. We can help you prepare, giving you the confidence to present yourself in the best possible light.

Don't face these challenges alone. Contact SimVisa today for essential guidance and support on your family immigration journey.

Types of Family-Based Immigrant Visas

There are two types of family-based immigrant visas available in the United States:

• Immediate Relative Visa: Close family members of U.S. citizens, like spouses, children under 21, or parents; no annual limit applies to this category.
• Family Preference Visa: Distant relatives of U.S. citizens and specified relationships with lawful permanent residents; annual limit on the number of visas available.

Each visa category comes with distinct requirements, terms, and limitations. As such, it’s wise to discuss your situation with a qualified immigration attorney.

Immediate Relative Visas

At SimVisa, we understand the importance of being with your loved ones. Immediate relative visas offer a faster path to reuniting U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) with their closest family members.

The following individuals qualify as immediate relatives:

• For U.S. Citizens: Spouses, unmarried minor children under 21, and parents.
• For Lawful Permanent Residents: Only spouses can be sponsored for immediate relative visas, with an initial two-year conditional residency period.

Note that other terms and conditions may apply for immediate relatives traveling from certain countries.

Sponsoring Immediate Relatives

The sponsoring relative (citizen or green card holder) must petition USCIS on behalf of the qualifying family member. This petition initiates the application process and establishes your relationship. We'll guide you through this step and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

Contact SimVisa today to discuss your options and take the first step toward bringing your family together in the U.S.

Family Preference Visas

Family preference categories apply to familial relationships beyond immediate relatives. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for foreign loved ones based on the following categories:

• First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters (over 21) of U.S. citizens.
• Second Preference (F2A): Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.
• Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried sons and daughters (over 21) of lawful permanent residents.
• Third Preference (F3): Married children of U.S. citizens.
• Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21 or older).

If your loved one currently resides outside the U.S., they must undergo consular processing before they can apply for a green card based on family preference.

Annual Caps and Wait Times

Unlike with immediate relative visas, there are limitations on how many family preference visas are issued per category each year. These limitations can impact wait times, which can be as much as several years, depending on the category and your priority date (the date USCIS receives your petition).

Our lawyers can provide valuable insights into current visa caps and how they might affect your specific situation.

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Understanding the Costs of Family-Based Immigration

While you can’t put a price on being with your family, the immigration process does involve certain costs. With that in mind, it can be helpful to understand the financial aspects of family-based immigration in Chicago.

The government filing fees for family immigration include:

• ‍Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: The starting point for most family immigration applications; costs vary depending on the category.
• Form I-485, Adjustment of Status (If Applicable): For applicants already in the U.S. to obtain a green card.
• Biometric Fees: Fingerprinting and background checks.
• Additional Fees for Forms and Applications: Depending on the specifics of your case.

Additionally, all applicants must undergo a mandatory medical exam by a USCIS-approved doctor. Costs vary by provider.

Contact SimVisa today to discuss your family immigration goals and develop a cost-effective strategy to bring your loved ones to the U.S.