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Chicago Work Visa Attorneys for Employment-Based Immigration
Understanding Employment-Based Immigration in the U.S.
Are you seeking employment opportunities in the United States? Are you the owner of a business in the United States looking to hire someone from another country?
Whether you are seeking employment or looking to fill an employment need for your growing business, our legal team at Milla & Associates, LLC can assist you and guide employers and employees through the complex world of employment-based immigration. We have years of experience working with employment-based clients and the United States immigration system, both within the country and at consulates and embassies abroad.
You may have many questions about the process ahead. Our work visa attorneys in Chicago are ready to provide the guidance, representation, and advice that both employers and employees can rely on.
Our work visa lawyers offer comprehensive employment & investment immigration services:
- H-1B specialty occupation visas
- Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) for employment-based green cards
- Employment-based immigrant visas (all EB categories) for permanent resident status ("green card") including:
- Professionals of extraordinary ability / Outstanding professors and researchers / Multinational executives or managers (EB-1)
- Professionals with advanced degrees / Professionals with an exceptional ability / National Interest Waivers (EB-2)
- Skilled and unskilled workers with certain experience (EB-3)
- Physicians / Religious workers (EB-4)
- Immigrant Investors (EB-5)
- L-1A intra-company transferee visas
- E-1 treaty trader and E-2 treaty investor visas
- J-1 exchange program visas
- O visas for extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics/extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry
- P visas for artists, athletes, and entertainment groups
- R-1 religious worker visas
- Change of non-immigrant status
- For example, H-1B to F-1 status
- Employment transfers
- For example, going from one H-1B employer to a new H-1B employer
- Dependent status filings for spouses and unmarried minor children
- For example, H-4, L-2, F-2, J-2
If you’re preparing to apply for a work visa or hiring talent from abroad, connect with a work visa attorney in Chicago today. Call (312) 702-1782 or contact us online to get started.
Legal Assistance for Employers Hiring Global Talent in Chicago
If your company wants to hire employees from another country, we can help. While our office is in downtown Chicago, our work visa attorney supports companies nationwide and globally. No employment-based matter is too large or small for our firm. Our employment visa attorneys develop and execute a plan tailored to your business size, needs, and goals to provide the guidance you need.
Employers in Chicago must address both federal immigration requirements and those specific to Illinois when hiring foreign national employees. Navigating the paperwork, such as the Labor Condition Application and Department of Labor filings, can be challenging without support. We guide employers to meet compliance standards and aim to keep hiring timelines efficient while reducing potential disruptions.
Chicago's vibrant economy, which includes healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance, means that work visa considerations often require insight into these specialized sectors. Our team stays informed on the needs of local employers, helping organizations address sponsorship strategy, prevailing wage requirements, and the specific documentation needed for a successful application. By working closely with our team, you minimize common errors and move confidently through each stage.
Support for International Workers Seeking Employment in the U.S.
Learn more about employment-based immigration by speaking with us today. The work visa attorneys at Milla & Associates, LLC have helped individuals and families over the years pursue opportunities and security in the United States through employment-based immigration. Whether you are a student transitioning to a professional position, a skilled worker, or a business executive, we can provide support and guidance as you work toward your employment goals in the United States.
International workers moving to Chicago benefit from access to a wide network of employers who sponsor visa holders, including many Fortune 500 companies and major research hospitals. The city’s business landscape creates opportunities in many fields. We walk you through visa pathways, clarify documentation steps, and outline eligibility to help position you for success from the start. By sharing updated insights on job trends and labor needs in Chicago, we help you determine which visa categories match your skills and career plans.
Key Steps & Timeline for Obtaining a Work Visa in Chicago
Applying for a work visa or employment visa typically follows a set sequence of steps and timelines, especially for applicants in the Chicago area. The process starts with confirming the most suitable visa category for your situation, followed by gathering personal, professional, and employer documents. The next step involves filing necessary forms with the appropriate U.S. agencies. Each visa type has its own list of forms and requirements, and missing or incomplete documents can delay the process. Employers and applicants in the Chicago area typically submit supporting documents to regional service centers or attend interviews at the Chicago USCIS field office near downtown. Processing times can vary depending on your visa type, current government workload, and whether additional requests for evidence come up. Our employment visa attorney helps set clear expectations by sharing the latest local processing times and procedures. By providing timely information for each phase, we aim to make your work visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Common Considerations for Work Visa Holders in Illinois
Work visa holders living and working in Illinois, especially in the Chicago area, should be aware of unique local considerations. Some employers in the region have internal compliance policies that go beyond federal rules, which may impact sponsorship timelines or starting dates. Illinois state policies can also affect benefits like health coverage or taxes for new residents. Adjusting to employment in a new city means understanding the costs of living, local commuting options, and community resources. Our team shares local insight to help workers make practical choices as they settle in and start work in Chicago. Staying in touch with neighborhood organizations and cultural groups can also ease the transition for workers and their families.
Tips to Enhance Your Chances of Securing a Work Visa
Work visa applicants improve their chances by preparing thorough visa applications that meet USCIS requirements. Gathering every needed document early and consulting with a work visa lawyer helps you address challenges and submit an accurate, compliant application. Keeping updated on changes to your specific visa category, wait times, and interview requirements also helps raise your chances of success.
Preparing for the visa process in Chicago also means knowing the schedules and expectations of the local USCIS field office. Applicants who book appointments early and track changes in local availability can save time and avoid setbacks. Stay in consistent contact with your petitioner and check your application status regularly to make sure every detail is complete during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to apply for an employment visa?
You generally need a valid passport, proof of your education or job qualifications, and documents showing a job offer. Requirements vary between visa types, so check each visa category before submitting your application.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Chicago?
Processing times depend on your visa category and government workload. In Chicago, wait times can range from several weeks to a few months. Staying updated and submitting accurate paperwork can help limit processing delays.
Does working in Chicago affect my immigration status or benefits?
Living and working in Chicago does not directly change your immigration status, but you need to follow all federal and state rules. Some state or local programs may be available, and certain benefits depend on your Illinois residence.
Secure your future with trusted guidance. Contact a work visa lawyer in Chicago at Milla & Associates, LLC today by calling (312) 702-1782 or reaching out to us online.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
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“Mr. Milla has a great sense of humor and is an excellent attorney”
Mr. Robert is an excellent lawyer. He represented me in getting my green card back in 2020-2022.My case was such a complicated one as my husband was still waiting on his citizenship and I was in removal proceedings and out of status. He represented us on the day of the interview and also on my court date in immigration court. I got approved the same day after many years of waiting. Mr. Milla has a great sense of humor. Navigating the immigration system is not easy nor funny, but Mr. Milla knows how to ease the situation with a joke here and there, all while providing exceptional services. I am extremely grateful to Milla & Associates for helping me become a permanent resident and be able to work legally, travel internationally and visit relatives abroad. Update to this review, Mr Milla represented me during my citizenship process in winter-spring 2025. I got my citizenship fast and I was confident during the process because I knew I have the best immigration lawyer in Chicagoland by my side. I will forever be grateful to Milla and Associates for helping me become a US Citizen, especially during these crazy immigration times in 2025.- V. B. -
“Thanks to this outstanding support, I am now a U.S. citizen.”
We are immensely grateful for the exceptional services provided by Milla and Associates. During the challenging times of 2020, amid the uncertainties of the Covid pandemic, we were quite anxious about the process and the necessary documents. Justin was incredibly helpful, offering clear instructions and ensuring we were well-prepared for our interview. Thanks to this outstanding support, I am now a U.S. citizen. Milla and associates truly laid the foundation for this significant achievement. Thank you so much for your excellent work!- S. S. -
“I can't express how happy my husband is that they helped us get his green card approval”
I highly recommend this law firm, Eyzuri Segovia Sanchez, more than anything. My husband had faced deportation years ago and had a 5-year ban. During this period, he didn't bother coming to the US. She guided us amazingly because we had the best outcome... his approval. He's now with me in the US. Her legal assistant, Izela Delgado, is also excellent. I can't express how happy my husband is that they helped us get his green card approval.- Y. A. -
“There are not enough words of gratitude that we can express to commend the job well done”
I don’t take leaving reviews lightly and this is a well deserved 5 star review! For context, my wife and I hired Milla & Associates to represent us for my case of adjustment of status via a waiver through marriage process (if you are currently looking to adjust your status, you know how complex of a process this can be). For my case, we had the opportunity to work with Attorney Eyzuri Segovia Sanchez and her legal assistant Izela Delgado, and there are not enough words of gratitude that we can express to commend the job well done. Attorney Eyzuri was professional, well-versed, and very informative throughout the entire process. Overall, the legal team working with us was quick to respond via email, available when needed, reviewed and completed all paperwork required in a smooth, timely manner. I highly recommend hiring Milla & Associates to represent you in your case to work with their highly-skilled team and one of their professional attorneys!- J. A. -
“Provided professional advice”
My wife and I received our green cards last week, and I want to thank Robert's team again. First, they always replied to our emails whenever we had questions, which was very important to me. Second, Robert provided professional advice that helped us make the right decisions. My wife's case was complicated, we feel lucky and blessed to have chosen the right help. Wish everyone luck!- Eric B.
