Non-Immigrant Visas
If you wish to temporarily stay in the U.S., you need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. Applicants need a specific reason for being in the United States. Reasons for successful visa applications include tourism, employment, and educational opportunities.
Here are some of the many valid purposes for obtaining a non-immigrant visa:
- Exchange visits from students in foreign schools
- Medical treatment
- Business
- Member of airplane or ship crew
- Transit (passing through the U.S. en route to another destination)
These various purposes have different visa classifications, and they don’t necessarily lead to approval of permanent residency. Obtaining one can be a complicated task, but our law group has experience in untangling such immigration matters for clients. Call our firm office if you need an immigration lawyer to help you with the process.
Where To Find Work And Education
One of the biggest immigration goals is to find a meaningful job or a good school placement in a timely manner. Fortunately, there are several agencies that help newcomers navigate the immigration process and find work or educational opportunities.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS)
The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) maintains a lengthy list of community service agencies handling immigration matters. The City of Chicago also has information about college access for undocumented students.
The Illinois Dream Fund
The Illinois Dream Fund is a kind of college scholarship fund for undocumented immigrants who are ineligible to apply for federal financial aid. The fund is for high school seniors who intend to enroll and current undergraduates enrolled at accredited two or four-year colleges who can apply for the Illinois Dream Fund scholarships.
All applicants need to have attended school in Illinois for a minimum of three years before graduating or receiving a GED, have at least one parent who immigrated to the United States, and have lived with either a parent or guardian while going to school in Illinois.
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Dream Fund
The CPS Dream Fund Scholarship is another talent and need-based, last-dollar scholarship that assists academically talented undocumented CPS students who are pursuing post-secondary educations. Students need to be recommended by principals, counselors, or college and career coaches and also must have a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 and a minimum ACT score of 17.
World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that helps refugees and other immigrants find employment in the United States. World Relief partners with a network of employers who value the experiences of immigrants. Plus, clients seeking a job through World Relief earn an average wage 184 percent above the federal minimum wage.
Where To Find Housing
Finding affordable housing is a pressing concern for many immigrants to the United States. Here are some agencies that can help those looking for a home.
City Of Chicago – Office Of New Americans
The City of Chicago has a lengthy list of community resources providing support to immigrants seeking housing
The Illinois Legal Aid Foundation
The Illinois Legal Aid Foundation has a list of immigrant family support organizations. Organizations listed here can help people obtain food stamps (SNAP), housing, or medical care.
The Resurrection Project
The Resurrection Project was established by six local parishes focusing on helping residents with property management, real estate development, and financial services and education. Its real estate development efforts include Casa Puebla, a $14.8 million development that led to the creation of 74 units of affordable housing, and Casa Maravilla, a $20 million development that helped create 72 units of affordable senior housing.
The Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants
The Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants (ICDI) has coordinated with many communities to offer housing, financial assistance, and case management to people who would have otherwise been detained in cruel and traumatizing conditions. ICDI believes independent no-cost housing is essential to giving people privacy and agency, striving to provide people with spaces that promote healing in neutral settings and encourages independence.
Chicago Immigration Offices
If you need help with issues such as work permits, consular processing, or other immigration services, we suggest contacting these offices in the area:
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Field Office
101 West Ida B. Wells Drive Chicago, IL 60605 (800) 375-5283
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- USCIS Application Support Center
8004 B South Cicero Avenue Burbank, IL 60459-1570 (800) 375-5283
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- USCIS Asylum Office
181 West Madison Street Suite 3000 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 849-5200
Immigrant & Family Friendly Resources
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a network of over 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other programs. It has children’s and school-based programs, older adult programs, and job training.
Esperanza Health Centers is an approved site for immigration physicals, which are typically required for any person applying for LPR status. Esperanza prides itself on providing bilingual, high-quality primary care, behavioral health, and wellness services to the community, regardless of their immigration status, insurance status, or ability to pay.
The Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) provides information on whether you or your family member qualifies for public benefits or other types of assistance.
Get Legal Advice From The Best Immigration Attorney In Chicago
Everyone deserves a shot at the American dream, but many experience complications that can grind their immigration journey to a halt. If you need legal services or help with immigration cases, contact Chicago Immigration Advocates Law Offices.
Schedule a consultation with us so we can learn more about your immigration needs. With our help, an experienced immigration attorney in Chicago can represent you in court and diligently defend your rights.
Our law group represents individuals in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Kentucky, but we have represented clients in Immigration Courts in Texas, New York, Louisiana, and California. You can call (312) 704-8000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our firm.
