Chicago Visa Services

Comprehensive Legal Assistance in Cook County for Visa Applications

The United States offers a wide range of opportunities to people from all walks of life. If you are looking to visit, study, or work in the country, you will need the appropriate visa that is consistent with your goals. Many types of visas are available, each with its own duration and permitted activities.

Our Chicago visa services at Aparicio Immigration Law can help you access the immigration benefits you need when looking to travel to the United States. When you come to our firm, you will work directly with our attorney to develop a tailored plan that works to achieve your immigration objectives. We are extensively familiar with many types of popular business and student visas and can identify the immigration tools that suit your needs. Our track record speaks for itself, and we have successfully obtained student and business visas for many of our clients.

Learn more about how we can help you secure the visa you need by contacting us online. We offer our legal services in English and Spanish.

Understanding Dual Intent Visas for Your Immigration Journey

The type of visa you will need will partially depend on whether you intend or hope to permanently immigrate to the United States. Many immigrants hope to eventually become U.S. citizens. To do so, they must first obtain a green card, an immigrant visa that confers lawful permanent residency. 

Qualifying for a green card can be difficult. If you do so while abroad, it may be many years before your visa becomes available. 

A dual intent visa can help you start your life in the United States before you can become a lawful permanent resident. While these visas are considered “temporary” and in the “nonimmigrant” category, beneficiaries are permitted to pursue green cards. Obtaining a dual intent visa can allow you to remain in the country while your green card application is processed. 

Types of Dual Intent Visas Available in Chicago

Our Chicago visa assistance can guide you through the process of obtaining various dual intent visas, including:

• H-1B Visas for Workers in Specialty Occupations. This visa allows workers to fill “specialty occupations” if domestic workers are not available and the position is fairly compensated. A “specialty occupation” is one that requires a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent amount of relevant job experience. This visa is extremely popular, but United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) only issues 85,000 H-1B visas each year. The H-1B visa can allow you to work in the U.S. for up to six years.
• L-1 Visas for Intracompany Transferees. Multinational companies that operate in the United States can use the L-1 visa to transfer qualifying executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge to U.S.-based branches, offices, and facilities. A recipient must have worked for the sponsoring employer for at least one year in the preceding three years. Managers and executives can potentially remain in the U.S. for up to seven years, while employees with specialized knowledge can stay for up to five years.
• O-1 Visas for Workers with Extraordinary Abilities. U.S.-based employers can sponsor individuals that can demonstrate extraordinary abilities or achievements in the arts, business, athletics, entertainment, or education industries for the O visa. This versatile visa allows the recipient to work in the U.S. for the sponsoring party and can be extended indefinitely so long as qualifying employment continues. An unlimited number of O visas are theoretically available, and these visas can often be secured quickly.
• K-1 Visas for Fiancés of U.S. Citizens. Engaged partners of U.S. citizens can qualify for the K-1 visa. This visa permits temporary travel to the United States to facilitate a marriage ceremony in the country. Afterward, recipients must either promptly depart or apply for a green card (thus allowing them to remain in the U.S. while their petition is processed).