Illinois Lawyer Referrals and Legal Guidance
Illinois Immigration Lawyers for Family Based Visas
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Quite often one family member has permission to reside in the United States and other family members do not. Citizens or permanent residents can petition for a family member to receive a green card or visa to the United States.
Not all relatives are eligible for sponsorship. If you are a U.S. citizen you can petition for the following people:
- A child under 21
- An unmarried child over 21 and their children
- A married child of any age and their children
- A sibling and their spouses or children if you are at least 21
If you are a permanent resident you can only petition for the following people:
- Your spouse
- A child under 21
- An unmarried child who is over 21
Petitions by United States citizens are given higher priority than petitions by permanent residents. In addition, the more you go down the above lists the less priority that is given to a petition. In other words if you are a U.S. citizen and you petition for your spouse to obtain a visa you will have a greater chance of success than if you petition for a sibling.
If you are engaged to a foreigner you can apply for a temporary visa that is known as a fiancé visa. This allows your fiancé to receive permission to travel to the United States to marry. Once the marriage takes place they are required to apply for permanent residency. Although gay marriages are accepted in some countries, for immigration purposes in the United States, only heterosexual couples may apply for a fiancé visa or petition for a spouse.
If you would us to help you find an immigration attorney in Illinois or have additional questions about United States immigration laws please contact us. All inquiries are free and confidential.
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