Elgin and Joliet Immigration Lawyers
Are you moving to the U.S.? Call an Elgin or Joliet immigration lawyer at Immigration JD.
Immigrants and foreign nationals from all over the world flock to the Chicago-area for work, schooling, or family reasons. Many of these immigrants decide to reside in the surrounding suburbs of Chicago, such as Elgin and Joliet, due to their proximity to Chicago and the friendly communities that these cities offer.
Immigration JD is conveniently located to serve individuals and business in and around Chicago, including the Elgin and Joliet areas, supporting all their immigration needs. Our Elgin and Joliet immigration attorneys have considerable experience and strong depth of knowledge regarding a variety of immigration issues, including:
- Family-based visas
- Work-based visas
- Relief from removal
Call (708) 233-1122
Paths to U.S. Citizenship
There are several paths immigrants can take to achieve U.S. citizenship, each involving different types of visas and processes. The primary paths to citizenship are through family, employment, refugee or asylum status, and the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Family-Based Immigration
One of the most common paths to U.S. citizenship is through family sponsorship. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor qualifying family members for immigration. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, children under 21, and parents, have a straightforward process and are not subject to annual caps. Other family members, like adult children and siblings, are placed in preference categories, which have annual numerical limits, leading to longer wait times.
Employment-Based Immigration
Employment-based visas are another significant route to U.S. citizenship. These visas are categorized into five preference categories (EB-1 through EB-5). The EB-1 category is for individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives. The EB-2 category includes professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. EB-3 is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. EB-4 is designated for special immigrants, such as religious workers and certain international organization employees. Finally, EB-5 is for investors who invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business and create jobs.
Refugee or Asylum Status
Individuals who have been granted refugee or asylum status in the U.S. can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship. Refugees are typically granted status outside the U.S. and then brought to the U.S., while asylum seekers apply for status from within the U.S. or at a U.S. port of entry. After one year of being granted asylum or refugee status, individuals can apply for a green card, and after five years as a green card holder, they can apply for citizenship.
Diversity Visa Lottery
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program provides another path to citizenship. This program issues 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. Applicants are selected randomly and, if chosen, can apply for a green card.
Naturalization
Regardless of the initial path, the final step to U.S. citizenship is naturalization. Applicants must meet residency requirements, demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests, and take an oath of allegiance to the United States. Through these varied pathways, individuals can achieve their goal of becoming U.S. citizens, contributing to the country’s diverse and dynamic
What Are the Requirements for Becoming an American Citizen?
To become an American citizen through naturalization, an individual must meet key requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing for naturalization.
- Permanent Resident Status: Applicants must have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for a designated period, usually at least five years. For spouses of U.S. citizens, this period is reduced to three years.
- Continuous Residence and Physical Presence: Applicants must have lived continuously in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen) and must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months within the five-year period (or 18 months within the three-year period).
- Good Moral Character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, shown by a clean criminal record and adherence to U.S. laws and principles.
- English Proficiency: Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. Exemptions are available based on age and length of residency.
- Civics Knowledge: Applicants must pass a test on U.S. history and government.
- Oath of Allegiance: Applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the United States, renouncing prior allegiances to other countries.
Meeting these requirements allows individuals to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process.
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How Does the Visa Application Process Work?
The visa application process involves several steps to ensure applicants meet the requirements for entering the United States.
Identify the appropriate visa category based on the purpose of travel, such as tourism, business, study, or employment.
Fill out the required application form. For nonimmigrant visas, this is the DS-160 form, and for immigrant visas, the DS-260 form. These forms are submitted online.
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which varies depending on the visa.
Most applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. Wait times for interviews can vary.
Prepare the necessary documentation, which generally includes a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, the confirmation page of the DS-160 or DS-260 form, a photo, and receipts of payment.
Attend the visa interview at the scheduled time. The consular officer will review the application and documentation, ask questions, and determine eligibility for the visa.
If approved, the visa will be placed in the applicant’s passport. Processing times vary, and the visa allows travel to a U.S. port of entry.
Following these steps alongside the guidance of an Elgin or Joliet immigration lawyer can ensure a smooth visa application process.
About Elgin and Joliet, Illinois
Home to more than 100,000 people, Elgin, Illinois was incorporated in 1854. Elgin was voted one of the top 10 cities for economic development in 2003 and 2005 and Elgin business have created nearly 2,000 new jobs annually since 2005.
Joliet, Illinois is the fourth-largest city in the state of Illinois. Located just 45 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, Joliet is a convenient option for commuters who work or study in Chicago, but seek the comforts of suburban living. Joliet is home to nearly 150,000 residents, and boasts easily accessible railroad and bus transit into Chicago, as well as countless restaurants, shops, businesses, libraries, and parks.
FAQs About Immigration in Illinois
What happens if my visa is denied?
If your visa is denied, you’ll receive a notice explaining the reason for the denial. You can address the issue, reapply with additional information or documentation, and appeal the decision, depending on the circumstances.
How long will it take to become a citizen after immigration?
After immigration, it typically takes five years to become a U.S. citizen, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen. This includes time as a permanent resident before applying for naturalization.
What can I do if I’m facing deportation?
If facing deportation, seek legal assistance from an Elgin or Joliet immigration lawyer immediately. You may request relief through asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status. Attend all hearings and provide any required evidence to support your case.
