Chicago Immigration Attorneys

E Visas 

Treaty trader and treaty investor visas were an effort to make it easier for foreign business leaders to conduct business in the United States. These visas are not available to every country on the globe, so they are special. A lot of work on behalf of the foreign countries has gone into developing the necessary relationship with the U.S. to allow their citizens to be able to own a business in the U.S. These companies can bring new jobs in specialized fields that can benefit the U.S. and the home country. 

You may qualify to apply for an E visa if you are a treaty trader or an investor and will be traveling to the United States under a treaty of commerce and navigation between your home country and the U.S. Note, however, that E visas are non-immigrant visas. The purpose of these visas is to conduct business and not for citizens of other countries to move to the U.S. They are temporary visas. Other individuals who can apply for E visas include spouses and children (under the age of 21) of the treaty trader or treaty investor, or the children of their employees.

A U.S. consulate or embassy overseas must issue your E-1, E-2, or E-3 visa before you arrive in the country. However, the U.S. company you are working with can request a change of status once you have arrived. The application will be processed by USCIS to see if a change of status or an extension of stay will be granted. E Visas, otherwise known as treaty trader visas (E-1) or treaty investor visas (E-2), are for foreign nationals from certain countries that have a treaty of friendship, commerce, or navigation with the U.S. 

In order to qualify for one of these visas, you must be traveling to the United States for one of these two purposes:

• You plan on carrying out a substantial trade between the U.S. and one of the treaty countries
• You plan to work in the U.S. in the development and leading of an enterprise in which you are invested

In order for your status to be changed, you have to meet certain requirements according to U.S. immigration laws and regulations. If you wish to remain indefinitely in the United States, you must apply for an immigrant visa. Once you have left the United States, you will need another E visa in order to return and continue conducting your business.

Family Immigration

​The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) caps how many families are allowed to move to the United States per year. The person who wants to sponsor the family is the petitioner, and they must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. In order to immigrate, the beneficiary must be an immediate family member or fall within a family preference category. 

These categories include:

• Family First Preference (F1): The unmarried daughters and sons of U.S. citizens, as well as their minor children if they have any. This is capped at 23,400 per year.
• Family Second Preference (F2): This includes the spouse and children (under age 21) of the sponsor. Note that married children and their children receive preference in this category over unmarried sons and daughters. This is limited to 114,200 per year.
• Family Third Preference (F3): This includes the married adult children of the sponsor, as well as their spouses and children who are minors. This is capped at 23,400 families per year.
• Family Fourth Preference (F4): The siblings of U.S. citizens and their spouses and their minor children may apply in this category as long as the sponsor is at least 21 years of age. This is limited to 65,000 families per year.

At Ray Law International, we understand how important it is for families to stay together. We also understand that families have to make quick decisions regarding their safety and their immigration status. 

We can help you navigate the following types of family immigration issues:

• Form I-751 waiver: If your spouse is physically and/or emotionally abusive and is a U.S. citizen, you may be able to file a Form I-751 without your spouse. If they are using your immigration status as a way to control you, this may be your best option. You can also file the Form I-751 if your children or parent(s) are conditional residents and were abused or battered by your U.S. citizen spouse. However, this waiver is only available for conditional residents. 
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA Petitions): If you have not received your green card, you cannot file a Form I-751. If you are being abused or battered by your U.S. citizen spouse, or if your abusive spouse is a lawful permanent resident, then you have another option to self-petition. Some victims are afraid that their spouse will use their immigration status against them, but as a victim of domestic violence, you can fill out a Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) without needing to be sponsored by your abusive spouse. Even though the name includes the word “women,” men are also able to self-petition under a Form I-360 waiver. 
• I-212 waiver: If you are seeking lawful reentry to the United States after being deported or removed, you can file a Form I-212 (Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission After Deportation or Removal). You must file this form while still abroad and remain there until you are legally able to enter. You may file one of these waivers only if you have been found admissible to the United States based on sections 212(a)(9)(A) or 212(a)(9)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). If you are unsure of why you were removed from the United States, be sure to review the documents given to you during your removal proceedings, as those will list the reason. 

EB2 Visas

EB2 visas are offered to individuals attempting to immigrate who possess advanced degrees or certifications in a field or are exceptionally talented in the sciences, arts, or business. In this category, more than in some others, retaining the services of a seasoned Chicago immigration attorney is all but required. 

When preparing to apply for this visa, particular documents must be provided. If you claim exceptional ability, evidence of work experience or a demonstration of that skill must be turned in. A sub-category of this visa makes national interest waivers available. To qualify for it, you must demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills or abilities to benefit the national interest of the United States.

Corporate Immigration

For individuals who have significant investments or conduct a great deal of trade in the United States, E-2 and E-1 visas are the path for you. However, the specific qualifications and guidelines while applying for these options can be muddy and challenging to decipher without the assistance of an immigration law firm. 

Since many requirements must be met and proof of specific financial data must be provided, there are many moving parts in the process. But with the expertise of an attorney on your side, the qualifications can be simplified, and you will be on a streamlined path to immigration.

At Ray Law International, our Chicago immigration attorneys understand that the corporate and business world operates quickly, and time becomes a valuable commodity. The Ray Law Advantage will allow you to have a clear timeline of your application, and you will be kept up to date on all factors surrounding its status. 

The sooner you begin the process, the sooner your application can be examined and accepted. Contact us our immigration lawyers in Chicago today to take the first step on the path towards your E-1 or E-2 visa.

Fiancé Visa

​It is important to decide whether an immigrating partner will want to enter the country with a spousal visa or a fiancé visa. For some couples, it makes more sense to get married, then apply for a spousal visa. However, it’s really a personal choice between you and your partner, and you may have big plans that are too difficult to move. In that case, this is an alternative route to the spousal visa. 

A fiancé visa, or K-1 visa, can be issued to the engaged partner of a U.S. citizen. The important thing to remember here is that you have 90 days to get married once you arrive in the United States. Upon arriving here, the spouse who is immigrating will be able to apply for a green card. 

Green Cards

We have been handling green cards for clients just like you for years, with hundreds of successful cases and satisfied customers to our name. Our clients can count on our green card expertise to manage the legal framework supporting their endeavors. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?

In general, processing an employment-based green card takes about one year for visas that are low in demand. They can take up to six years for visas that are higher in demand or have limits. For family visas, the wait can take anywhere from 12 months to a whole decade to have a visa approved. A lot of the delays are often linked to not filling out the proper paperwork or submitting incomplete applications. This is why it is integral to speak to an attorney immediately upon deciding to visit the United States. 

Naturalization

After obtaining your green card and completing all obligations throughout your time in possession of it, the next step toward becoming a full-fledged United States citizen is to undergo naturalization. However, there are still pitfalls, and many possible mistakes that can halt your journey. Seeking the assistance of lawyers can aid in avoiding many of these common mistakes and expedite the process as a whole

Request for Evidence

Don’t struggle through stressful requests for evidence. Our experience can help you methodically work through each objection that has been raised against you in your immigration case. The status of you and your family is on the line.

Healthcare Immigration Services

Got a healthcare immigration services case on your hands? We are ready to help. Ray Law International has the legal knowledge, skills, and experience to advise clients on these matters. We are proud to extend our professional services to help you overcome your legal immigration challenges.

Sports Immigration

Baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, fishing, racing, ballet, dance, rugby, ice skating, basketball, football, or whatever your passion is, the visa and green card application process can vary greatly depending upon your circumstances. Ray Law International specializes in creating the most straightforward immigration path for each person, be it through an employment or family connection. Avoid wasted time and green card application denial by selecting an expert who can simplify the process and guide you through each necessary step. Our Chicago immigration attorneys have successfully helped thousands of clients and speak many languages to ease your immigration experience. While the green card application forms themselves can be overwhelming, trust Ray Law International to simplify it.