Illinois Immigrant Visa Lawyers

Guidance for Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas in Kane County and Throughout Illinois

At Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C., we proudly represent individuals, families, and businesses for all types of immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Our areas of focus include immigration and citizenship, family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, deportation and removal issues, and many others. We work closely with our clients to skillfully navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system and move your application toward a successful conclusion.

For over 25 years, our attorneys have been privileged to advocate for the interests of intending immigrants as well as businesses that want to bring skilled foreign talent into their organizations. We offer the convenience and personalized service of a small, suburban firm with the experience, resources, and facilities of a large downtown Chicago firm. One of our senior attorneys is a former lawyer, examiner, and instructor for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and this gives our legal team unique insights into the immigrant and non-immigrant visa application process and what it takes to gain approval.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas are available for individuals coming to the U.S. for a limited amount of time and a specific purpose. They are divided into several categories, including:

A and G: Career diplomats, representatives of foreign governments and their personal or domestic employees.
B1/B2: Temporary visitors to the U.S.; such as tourists, those visiting friends or family, business travelers, personal/domestic employees and those with medical emergencies.
C: Persons transiting through the U.S.; such as seamen and boat workers/crewmembers.
E1/E2: Employment-based temporary visas for treaty traders and investors.
F: Students engaged in full-time post-secondary academic study or language programs.
H: Employment-based temporary visas for skilled workers and trainees.
I: Reporters and other foreign media members.
K: Fiancé or spouse of a U.S. citizen.
L: Employment-based temporary visas for intra-company transferees.
M: Vocational and other non-academic students.
O: Temporary employment-based visas for those with extraordinary skills and ability.
P: Entertainers and athletes performing or competing temporarily in the U.S.
Q: Participants in cultural exchange programs.
R: Religious workers.
TN: North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professionals.

There is a visa waiver program that allows non-immigrants from certain qualified countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. The U.S. State Department website has a full and up-to-date listing of eligible countries.

Immigrant Visas

Individuals who plan to seek permanent residency (and eventually citizenship) in the U.S. should apply for an immigrant visa. This application can be lodged from abroad or from within the U.S. and typically requires the sponsorship of a family member or employer. Family-based immigrant visas are classified as either Immediate Relative (IR) or Family Preference (F). IR visas have no annual numeric limitations while Family Preference and Employment-based visas are subject to numeric limits and the wait time for processing is typically longer.

One way to obtain an immigrant visa without family or employer sponsorship is through the Diversity Visa Process. Also known as the “Diversity Lottery,” this is a program that makes a limited number of visas available from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates.

At Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C., we strongly believe in the importance of a culturally diverse society. We understand and value the contributions immigrants have made throughout history to build this great country. Our passion and experience will help you accomplish your immigration goals. For skilled guidance with all types of immigrant and non-immigrant visas in Illinois, contact us today at 630-907-0909. From our offices in Aurora, IL, we represent clients for immigration and citizenship matters in Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, Kane County, Kendall County, Will County, DuPage County, Cook County, Chicago, and surrounding Northern Illinois communities.