Family-Based Immigration

Chicago Asylum Attorney

Reliable Legal Support for Family Immigration in Cook County

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can sponsor certain types of family members for green cards. These visas confer lawful permanent residency and allow recipients to live and work almost anywhere in the country. Family sponsorship also serves as a potential pathway to permanent United States citizenship.

Our Chicago family-based immigration lawyer at Aparicio Immigration Law can assist you with each step of the sponsorship process. Our team can assess your loved one’s eligibility and help you prepare the necessary paperwork and application materials. We have a strong track record of delivering favorable results and can provide the experienced guidance you need and deserve. 


Schedule an initial consultation to learn more about family sponsorship by contacting us online. We assist clients in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.


Eligibility for Family Members to Obtain Green Cards

Only United States citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor their loved ones for green cards. The types of family members you can sponsor will depend on whether you are a citizen or lawful permanent resident. 

United States citizens can sponsor:

  • Spouses
  • Parents
  • Unmarried children under the age of 21
  • Unmarried children over the age of 21
  • Married children (any age)
  • Siblings

Lawful permanent residents can sponsor:

  • Spouses
  • Unmarried children under the age of 21

Many types of more distant relatives, including grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, aunts, and uncles, are not eligible for green cards. Our Chicago family-based immigration attorney can help you understand who you can sponsor.

Spouses, parents, and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of U.S. citizens qualify as “immediate relatives.” Visas will be immediately available to immediate relatives once United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves their family petitions. However, it still typically takes USCIS at least 1 year to process family petitions. 

All other eligible relatives must apply under the “family preference” categories. Only a limited number of family preference green cards are distributed each year. This means that family preference relatives will likely need to wait for a visa to become available after their petition has been approved. The extent of the wait can vary but depends on the case backlog, the relative’s relation to the sponsor, and the relative’s country of origin. 

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Why Choose Aparicio Immigration Law?

  • Spanish Speaking Services Available
    With a staff that speaks English and Spanish fluently, our team makes sure all communication with clients is always direct and always clear.
  • We are Centrally & Conveniently Located

    Our office is located less than a mile from Chicago Immigration Court, allowing us to very conveniently help all clients throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

  • We Have a Record that Speaks for Itself
    With many victorious cases taken to court and hundreds of happy reviews from clients, our team proudly works hard to earn its good reputation.
  • We Can Relate to Your Experience
    Having gone through the immigration process himself, Attorney Aparicio has first-hand experience to help understand your situation.
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