Illinois Immigration Legal Questions

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393 legal questions have been posted about immigration by real users in Illinois. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include asylum, green cards, and consular law. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Illinois Immigration Questions & Legal Answers - Page 10
Do you have any Illinois Immigration questions page 10 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 393 previously answered Illinois Immigration questions.

Recent Legal Answers

Assuming you have not maintained lawful nonimmigrant (i.e. you stayed beyond your I-94), you will not be able to adjust your status based upon marriage to a resident. You would need to pursue an immigrant visa through consular processing, which means submitting the paperwork through the NVC. The problem with consular processing is that if you have been in the United States for more than 180 days without status, you would be subject to a bar of admission. This requires you to obtain a waiver based upon hardship to your husband if you were not admitted. You can read more about family immigration at http://myattorneyusa.com/family-immigration.... Read More
Assuming you have not maintained lawful nonimmigrant (i.e. you stayed beyond your I-94), you will not be able to adjust your status based upon... Read More
You and your spouse will each need to file forms. Your spouse will need to complete Forms I-130, G-325A, and I-864. You will need to complete Forms I-485 and G-325A. You will also want to complete Forms I-765 and I-131 if you would like employment authorization and advance parole. These Forms must be properly completed and filed with the appropriate fees and supporting documentation. You can read more about adjustment of status at http://myattorneyusa.com/adjustment-of-immigration-status.... Read More
You and your spouse will each need to file forms. Your spouse will need to complete Forms I-130, G-325A, and I-864. You will need to complete Forms... Read More

My mom is a U.S. Citizen I got my permanent resident card 5 years ago, about to be six years. Can I apply for citizenship?

Answered 9 years and 11 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You would be eligible to apply for naturalization of you are 18 years or older. You may already be a United States citizen depending upon how old you were when your mother naturalized. If you are already a citizen by operation of law, you would simply need to request a certificate of citizenship. You can read more about deriving citizenship from a parent and naturalization at http://myattorneyusa.com/citizenship-and-naturalization.... Read More
You would be eligible to apply for naturalization of you are 18 years or older. You may already be a United States citizen depending upon how old you... Read More

Citizenship. Time line

Answered 9 years and 11 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Your sister must be a lawful permanent resident for five years (three years of married to a United States citizen) to be eligible for naturalization. There are several other requirements that must be met including physical presence. You can read more about naturalization at http://myattorneyusa.com/citizenship-and-naturalization.... Read More
Your sister must be a lawful permanent resident for five years (three years of married to a United States citizen) to be eligible for naturalization.... Read More
It may be best to include his children in the application as your stepchildren. This is especially true if you intend to petition for your spouse or his children in the future. You can read more about the naturalization process at http://myattorneyusa.com/how-to-get-naturalized-in-the-united-states.... Read More
It may be best to include his children in the application as your stepchildren. This is especially true if you intend to petition for your spouse or... Read More

About how long does it take to process certificate of citizenship?

Answered 9 years and 11 months ago by Alexander Joseph Segal (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Whether the reference was made to N600 or N400 is unclear. Regardless, you could visit www.uscis.gov and look up estimated processing times there. This is the best information available on the issue of timing. . 
Whether the reference was made to N600 or N400 is unclear. Regardless, you could visit www.uscis.gov and look up estimated processing times there.... Read More

Can I get the U.S. Citizenship if I have been separated with the U.S. Citizen after 3years of marriage?

Answered 9 years and 11 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You may still be able to naturalize given the separation occurred after you filed for naturalization if you lived with your spouse for three years as a lawful permanent resident. You need to be honest at the interview when discussing the state of your marriage. You can read more about eligibility for naturalization at http://myattorneyusa.com/how-to-get-naturalized-in-the-united-states.  You would need to contact the local court with jurisdiction over divorce matters to see if a case has been initiated. You may also be able to locate the records in the court's website but this is not always an option.... Read More
You may still be able to naturalize given the separation occurred after you filed for naturalization if you lived with your spouse for three years as... Read More

Coming to USA

Answered 9 years and 11 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
The Philippine citizen needs to apply for and be issued a nonimmigrant visitor visa. To obtain this visa, the individual will need to file a DS-160 and satisfies the consular official as to the purpose of the trip, ability to fund the trip, and intention to return to his/her native country. You can read more about visitor visas at http://myattorneyusa.com/travel-visas.... Read More
The Philippine citizen needs to apply for and be issued a nonimmigrant visitor visa. To obtain this visa, the individual will need to file a DS-160... Read More
I understand that you want definitive answers but this matter is best taken up with the potential employer and its immigration attorney. Regardless of whether they can petition for you, the company must actually do so. You cannot unilaterally transfer your H-1B. The potential employer would need to be comfortable moving forward.... Read More
I understand that you want definitive answers but this matter is best taken up with the potential employer and its immigration attorney. Regardless... Read More

H1B Transfer Query

Answered 9 years and 11 months ago by attorney Alan Lee, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
In your situation, employer B would file an H-1B petition for you as a new petition, and it or its lawyer would have to explain why it is that you are not subject to the H-1B cap. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.    ... Read More
In your situation, employer B would file an H-1B petition for you as a new petition, and it or its lawyer would have to explain why it is that you... Read More

can you suggest for my next step

Answered 10 years ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You cannot change to F-1/F-2. You must either seek to change to F-1 or F-2. Whether you can or should reapply depends upon why you were denied and your current nonimmigrant status. You should schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney. You can read more about student visas at http://myattorneyusa.com/student-visas.... Read More
You cannot change to F-1/F-2. You must either seek to change to F-1 or F-2. Whether you can or should reapply depends upon why you were denied and... Read More

minor on B1 visa needs to stay longer

Answered 10 years and a month ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Assuming the child is still in his authorized period of stay, a request to extend his status must be filed. If his period of authorized stay has already expired, he would not be able to extend his stay in the United States. He would need to depart the country and re-enter on a valid visa. You can read more about nonimmigrant visas at .http://myattorneyusa.com/travel-visas. ... Read More
Assuming the child is still in his authorized period of stay, a request to extend his status must be filed. If his period of authorized stay has... Read More

Green card after divorce

Answered 10 years and a month ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Your friend does not have many options if he/she divorces. A person cannot obtain a green card through marriage if he/she is divorced before his/her application for adjustment of status is approved. Even if the divorce is not final, the petitioner has the right to withdraw the immigrant visa he/she filed at any time. You can read more about family-based immigration at http://myattorneyusa.com/family-immigration.... Read More
Your friend does not have many options if he/she divorces. A person cannot obtain a green card through marriage if he/she is divorced before his/her... Read More

Will my son who got positive on drugs lose his residency?

Answered 10 years and a month ago by attorney Kevin L. Dixler   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Much more information is needed. Did he plead guilty in criminal court? Was he charged in juvenile court? If so, for what exact criminal offense? If not, then why was he being tested for drug use? Are you a U. S. Citizen? If so, when and how old was your son when you became a Citizen?
Much more information is needed. Did he plead guilty in criminal court? Was he charged in juvenile court? If so, for what exact criminal offense? If... Read More

Will my shoplifting incident show on my record when I apply for citizenship?

Answered 10 years and a month ago by Francis John Cowhig (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
If you were not arrested or charged with shoplifting and did not go to court, it will not show up on your background check.
If you were not arrested or charged with shoplifting and did not go to court, it will not show up on your background check.
More information is needed. How long have been married to your wife? Is it less or more than two years 'at this time?'
More information is needed. How long have been married to your wife? Is it less or more than two years 'at this time?'

Can I change my B1/B2 visa to F2?

Answered 10 years and a month ago by attorney Kevin L. Dixler   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You can try to do so, but the USCIS must decide whether you have immigrant intent for the purpose of this stay. If you reasonably overcome the legal presumption of immigrant intent, and are not out of status/overstay, then the non-immigrant F2 visa 'may' be granted as a matter of discretion. If you are still confused, then consider an appointment with a competent and experienced immigration and visa attorney. Good luck.... Read More
You can try to do so, but the USCIS must decide whether you have immigrant intent for the purpose of this stay. If you reasonably overcome the legal... Read More

i want to know what's the next step after the judge grant my I-485 application

Answered 10 years and a month ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You typically need to appear for an infopass appointment at the local field office. You will need to take your Form I-485 related documents as well as the immigration judge's order to the appointment. You can read more about removal proceedings at http://myattorneyusa.com/removal-and-deportation-defense.... Read More
You typically need to appear for an infopass appointment at the local field office. You will need to take your Form I-485 related documents as well... Read More

My employer revoked my H1B visa, am I back on my H4 automatically? Or I need to take any action for this?

Answered 10 years and a month ago by Rehim Babaoglu (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You should hire an immigration lawyer to ascertain your present status. I think you're okay, but not sure without seeing docs.
You should hire an immigration lawyer to ascertain your present status. I think you're okay, but not sure without seeing docs.

How

Answered 10 years and a month ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
There is no sponsorship required for a visitor visa. Your daughter's family would simply apply for a visa. They need to establish their intent to return to Mexico. You can read more about visitor visas at http://myattorneyusa.com/travel-visas.
There is no sponsorship required for a visitor visa. Your daughter's family would simply apply for a visa. They need to establish their intent to... Read More

If my daughter turns 21 yrs old this Dec 2016, can she file a petiton for my green card 6 months earlier?

Answered 10 years and a month ago by Atty. Samuel Joseph Zermeno (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Hello. Your child has to wait until she is 21 to file for you. Please call my office for a free consultation to determine if you will have any problems receiving your green card in the US.
Hello. Your child has to wait until she is 21 to file for you. Please call my office for a free consultation to determine if you will have any... Read More

Immigration

Answered 10 years and a month ago by Atty. Samuel Joseph Zermeno (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Hello. If your father naturalized after being a lawful permanent resident then you are not eligible for automatic citizenship unless you had lawful permanent residence living in the US and under the age of 18. If he automatically received citizenship from one of his parents then there may be a way to transmit his citizenship to you. Either way he can still file a petition for you to get lawful permanent residence, it just may take a while if you are over 21 years of age. For more case specific information please contact me for a free consultation.  ... Read More
Hello. If your father naturalized after being a lawful permanent resident then you are not eligible for automatic citizenship unless you had lawful... Read More

can you stop deportation if your here on a visa waiver

Answered 10 years and a month ago by Atty. Samuel Joseph Zermeno (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Hello. I am sorry to hear about your circumstance however all visa waiver entrants are subject to removal without the opportunity to go before an immigration judge if they violate their status, including overstaying. Assuming you are a United States citizen, had you still been legally married you could have prevented his removal by applying for adjustment of status. Contact the ICE officials where he is being detained to see if they will allow time for you to remarry him and file for adjustment. It will be difficult but it is worth the chance. If you need assistance please contact my office for a free consultation.... Read More
Hello. I am sorry to hear about your circumstance however all visa waiver entrants are subject to removal without the opportunity to go before an... Read More

Want to marry a person with her passport stamped "denied with predujuice"

Answered 10 years and a month ago by attorney Alan Lee, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
There should not be a a problem marrying a person even with such a passport stamp. The difficulty may be in later trying to sponsor that individual for permanent residence. At that time, either a U.S.C.I.S. examiner (if an adjustment of status application is filed) or US consular official (if consular processing is sought) may be more concerned with the reasons behind the stamp.Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.  ... Read More
There should not be a a problem marrying a person even with such a passport stamp. The difficulty may be in later trying to sponsor that individual... Read More

My fiance of 9 years is here illegally.How can he become a legal citizen?

Answered 10 years and 2 months ago by attorney Alan Lee, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
If you are a US citizen, you marry him, and he entered the US legally and has no disabilities, e.g. fraud, immigration proceedings or crimes, you could apply for him on form I-130 petition for alien relative, he could adjust to permanent residence on form I-485, and after he has held the green card for three years, he may be able to apply for US citizenship as long as he has lived with you constantly for the three-year required period of residence after being awarded the green card. If he did not come into the country legally, he might still be able to obtain permanent residence under the Obama administration's I-601A program if you are a US citizen, petition for him under form I-130, and he applies for and is approved for an I-601A waiver which is based upon extreme hardship to you if such cannot be granted. If he is approved for the waiver, he would then go overseas for an immigrant visa interview which would in all likelihood be quite normal in its nature.Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.  ... Read More
If you are a US citizen, you marry him, and he entered the US legally and has no disabilities, e.g. fraud, immigration proceedings or crimes, you... Read More