Chicago ranks third-most populous city in the country and the largest metropolis in the American Midwest. It has one of the largest and most diverse markets in the world. Chicago is an international hub for finance, information technology, manufacturing, education, telecommunications, and transportation. United Airlines, Caterpillar, Boeing, Allstate, Exelon, Walgreens, and McDonald’s are just a few Fortune 500 firms based in Chicago. With so many companies, there is a strong need for an immigration lawyer who can help the companies bring and retain talented professionals from across the globe. Our Chicago office works with technology corporations, architectural firms, medical companies, manufacturing, recreational and hospitality services organizations, and various other businesses. Our Chicago office is adequately equipped to keep pace with Windy City’s diverse immigration needs. We regularly represent employers on various employment-based immigration matters, such as EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 Green Card petitions; PERM Labor Certification applications; and a range of nonimmigrant visa petitions such as H-1B L-1, TN, O, P, R, U, etc.
Chicago being a hub of foreign investment, we address the immigration needs of investors by helping them secure and obtain investment-based visas such as New Company L-1s, E-1s, E-2s, and EB-5s.
As your immigration lawyer in Chicago, IL we also assist companies facing government audits and investigations, individuals facing arrest or deportation, and individuals and families planning to marry or join a resident’s close relatives in the United States. Additionally, our Chicago office handles Asylum applications, Cancellation of Removal, and VAWA matters. As your immigration lawyer near me, we also advise clients on Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) matters; and file various types of immigrant and nonimmigrant waiver applications, Motion to reopen and reconsider, and Appeals to the AAO and BIA. We also regularly guide clients on National Visa Center (NVC) and Consular Visa processing and handle administrative processing and visa denials from various U.S. consular posts across the globe.
Our Chicago office litigates adverse/arbitrary USCIS decisions by filing appropriate Federal District Court complaints against DHS/USCIS.
How to Apply for a Business or Tourist Visitor Visa to the United States Online
If you’re planning a quick trip to the United States for business or pleasure, you’ll probably be required a transit or tourist visa. Remember to connect with an immigration lawyer in Chicago, Illinois and note the following:
- Determine whether you require a visa. Check if your nation is part of the Visa Waiver Program in the United States (VWP). If your country isn’t listed, you’ll require a nonimmigrant visa to visit the United States.
- Figure out the visa you’ll need for your trip. B-1 and B-2 visitor visas are used by the majority of business and vacation travelers.
Business travelers who need to connect with colleagues, attend a business conference, manage an estate, or negotiate a deal should apply for a B-1 visa.
B-2 visa holders are vacationers and those traveling for medical treatment, a social event, or unpaid involvement in amateur competitions. As a result, transit visas aren’t as frequent as they formerly were.
Transit C visa holders are international citizens transiting through the United States to another country and stopping momentarily in the United States as part of their journey to the following foreign destination. If you come across any issues, you may need the best immigration lawyer near me for legal advice. Crew members flying to the United States are eligible for transit C-1, D, and C-1/D visas.
- Fill out a visa application. Depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply, the visa application process will differ. Follow the guidelines applicable to the country you’re in. Remember these steps:
- Don’t forget to fill out the nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160 online
- Provide an appropriate photograph
- Pay any processing fees
- Schedule an appointment for an interview
A visa waiver is available for international travelers visiting the United States for business or pleasure. To be qualified for a visa waiver (VWP), you must be a resident of one of the 39 countries that engage in the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you wish to enter the United States under the VWP, you must first obtain approved travel permission. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is used to determine authorization approvals (ESTA).
Only after being accepted by a school certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program can an international student apply for a student or exchange visitor visa (SEVP). The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System keeps track of students’ records (SEVIS). Consider speaking to a free immigration lawyer in Chicago, IL for a more comprehensive explanation.
Visas for Educational Purposes
Your course of study determines the sort of student visa you’ll require, the school you plan to attend, or the exchange program you’ll be participating in. F-1 and M-1 visas are the most frequent student visas. A full-time international student pursuing academic pursuits is granted an F-1 visa. A full-time overseas student pursuing vocational studies is classified as an M-1 visa holder. Any problems during the application process can be mediated by a lawyer for immigration in Chicago, Illinois. Should you consider staying later on in the country, you’ll have to comply with the requirements for green card in Chicago, IL or naturalization in Chicago.
J-1 visas, also known as exchange visitor program (EVP) visas, are for foreign nationals permitted to participate in job or study-based exchange programs. A visiting scholar, a camp counselor, or a research assistant are just a few examples. The length of your stay on a J-1 visa is determined by your agreement with your Department of State-approved sponsoring organization.
What About a Professional Visa under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
A nonimmigrant NAFTA professional visa is only available to folks living in Mexico and Canada who wish to work in the United States. The TN NAFTA Professional visa classification allows the holder to enter the United States temporarily to engage in professional business activities for up to three years.
The application methods for Canadian and Mexican citizens differ after receiving a letter from your potential employer confirming your job offer. A NAFTA Professional (TN) visa usually is not required for Canadian citizens.
You can go to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) port of entry with your documents for an interview to be admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant who can work legally in the United States. A NAFTA Professional (TN) visa is necessary for Mexican citizens. Please fill out the DS-160 online visa application, print the confirmation page, and bring it with you to your interview. If you are registering in Mexico, you do not need to submit a photo.
