In many cases, immigration to the United States is difficult. It requires a significant amount of paperwork, and there are several steps you must go through… and you need an extra helping of patience. For most people, it’s best to work with a Milwaukee immigration attorney who explains each step of the process and helps prevent errors that can delay an application.
The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services division provides a variety of pathways to citizenship. People who fall into certain categories get special consideration for visas.
Family-Based Visas
You may qualify for special consideration if you are related to a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident. Your relative must file a petition on your behalf and provide proof of their ability to support you financially.
Employment-Based Visas
You may qualify for special consideration as a priority worker under an employment-based visa if you have exceptional abilities in your field of work. Priority workers include professors and researchers, multinational managers and executives, and professionals with advanced degrees.
Special Immigrant Visas
If you were a former employee the U.S. government, you may qualify for a special immigrant visa. For example, certain foreign employees of the United States government in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Panama Canal zone may meet the requirements. In some cases, spouses and children are also eligible. (These are not the only countries of origin that may qualify you for a special class; your attorney can help you determine if you’re eligible for this type of visa).
You may also qualify as a special immigrant if you are coming to the United States to work as a minister or religious worker for an organization already established in the U.S.
Making Sure You Apply for the Right Visa
Because there are several different visas that allow you to immigrate to the U.S., it’s best to talk to an immigration lawyer who understands the laws and procedures. Filing the wrong application can delay the process and leave you waiting for months as your paperwork is routed, re-routed and then re-routed again.
