Nonimmigrant Visa Attorneys With 50 Years of Experience Serving Chicago
Whether you’re planning a visit for business, medical treatment, school, or leisure, our nonimmigrant visa attorneys in Chicago will help you identify the correct visa category, prepare required documents, and guide you through the process from start to finish. We offer deep knowledge of local consular procedures and USCIS requirements.
Contact A Nonimmigrant US Visa Lawyer
Why Choose Spar & Bernstein for Nonimmigrant Visas
Our Chicago immigration attorneys are trusted by individuals and families across the area. We simplify the complex visa application process by:
- Advising on the right visa category
- Completing all paperwork accurately
- Preparing you for consular interviews
- Helping overcome application delays and denials
When You May Need a Nonimmigrant Visa
Nonimmigrant visas are required if you’re a foreign national planning to temporarily visit the U.S. for:
- Tourism or personal visits
- Business conferences or consultations
- Medical treatment in the U.S.
- Study or educational exchange programs
- Seasonal or skilled employment
Types of Nonimmigrant Visas for Visitors, Students & Professionals
There are over 20 types of temporary visas. Common categories include:
- B-1: Business visitors attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or settling estates
- B-2: Tourists, medical visitors, or those participating in amateur competitions
- F-1: Academic students at U.S. colleges or universities
- M-1: Vocational or nonacademic students
- J-1: Participants in exchange programs (au pairs, scholars, interns)
- Q: Visitors in cultural exchange programs
- H-1B: Professionals in specialty occupations
- H-2A: Temporary agricultural workers
- H-2B: Seasonal or short-term non-agricultural workers
- H-3: Nonimmigrants receiving training in the U.S.
- R: Religious workers
- E: Treaty traders or investors
- O: Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics, or arts
- I: Representatives of foreign media or journalists
- C: Transit visas for travelers passing through the U.S.
How to Apply for a U.S. Visitor Visa From Chicago
- The application process for a temporary visitor visa includes:
- Determining visa eligibility based on your travel purpose
- Completing the DS-160 application online
- Paying applicable fees
- Scheduling an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country
- Gathering supporting documentation (passport, travel itinerary, proof of funds, etc.)
If you’re applying from the Chicago area, we’ll help ensure your documentation is complete and correct to reduce processing delays.
What the Visa Waiver Program Means for Chicago Residents
If you are a citizen of one of 40 VWP countries, you may not need a visa to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Instead, you must apply for ESTA authorization before traveling. Our Chicago legal team can help you determine if you’re eligible and guide you through the application.
Experienced Support for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in the Chicago Area
From preparing strong applications to navigating requests for additional evidence, our attorneys provide strategic support for clients throughout the Chicago metro area. We’ve helped individuals apply for study, work, medical, and family-related nonimmigrant visas, and can advise on extensions or changes of status.
Immigration Waiver FAQs for Chicago Residents
What Types of Cases Can an Immigration Waiver Attorney in Chicago Assist With?
A Chicago immigration waiver attorney helps individuals who are inadmissible to the U.S. due to reasons such as unlawful presence, prior immigration violations, misrepresentation, or certain criminal convictions. They assist in preparing waivers like the I-601, I-601A (provisional waiver), or I-212, depending on the case.
How Can a Waiver Lawyer Help With a Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver?
A provisional waiver attorney in Chicago helps eligible applicants file Form I-601A to waive unlawful presence before they leave the U.S. for consular processing. This minimizes family separation and improves the chances of visa approval by showing extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent.
When Should I Contact a Waiver Law Firm in Chicago for Help With My Case?
It’s best to consult a Chicago-based immigration waiver law firm before submitting any immigration applications if you think you may be inadmissible. They can determine your eligibility for a waiver and guide you through the process, avoiding costly mistakes or unnecessary denials.
Can a Waiver Attorney in Chicago Help if I’ve Already Been Denied Entry or a Green Card?
Yes. If you’ve been denied due to inadmissibility, a waiver lawyer in Chicago can help file the proper waiver request, gather evidence of hardship, and support your reapplication. Their experience with USCIS and consular procedures is critical for overcoming prior denials.
What’s the Benefit of Working With a Chicago Waiver Attorney Versus Filing on My Own?
Waivers require a strong legal argument and detailed supporting evidence, especially in hardship-based cases. A Chicago waiver attorney can help craft a compelling case that meets USCIS standards, significantly improving your approval chances and ensuring your application is handled professionally from start to finish.
Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio