At Kasturi Law, LLC, Shobhana Kasturi, our immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, is dedicated to assisting fellow immigrants in navigating the intricate legal procedures of obtaining U.S. citizenship. Shobhana, a first-generation immigrant, takes pride in practicing immigration law to advocate for those who require a voice — including those who live in Chicago.
Chicago is home to 2.6 million people and is the most populous city in Illinois and the third-most populous city in the United States after New York City and Los Angeles. Of the nearly 80% of its native-born residents, almost 60% were born in Chicago. The other 20% of the Chicago population is foreign-born, with just over 10% being non-citizens and the other 10% being counted as naturalized citizens.
Our immigration law firm assists individuals and families in Cook County, throughout Illinois, and neighboring states in understanding the federal process of legally entering the United States and, more importantly, remaining in the U.S. with the proper documentation to move forward confidently.
No matter how complex you believe your immigration journey may be, we will be in your corner from start to finish, providing end-to-end legal solutions that allow you to build your life in the U.S. with the dignity, respect, and integrity you deserve.
If you, someone you love, or your family is seeking a determined path to immigration, we have the legal solutions you need to succeed in Chicago. Contact our skilled and passionate immigration attorney for help today. We provide in-office, phone, and Zoom consultations to help you understand your legal rights and options so you can make informed decisions about your immigration journey.
Kasturi Law Immigration Attorney Practice Areas Serving Chicago, IL Clients
With more than 27 years of experience, our law firm focuses only on immigration because we know how important it is to us, our families, and our Chicago clients.
We understand that immigration applications of all types require thorough documentation and accurate completion to avoid delays or rejections. We assist our clients in understanding their rights while preparing and submitting applications, ensuring that all necessary documents are included and filed correctly, and preparing them for the next steps.
Our immigration attorney can help with your Chicago immigration journey, even some of the difficult immigration cases, including those involving:
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Illinois immigration and nationality attorney focuses only on providing legal solutions for immigrants who need our help to flourish in a country built on migrant success stories. Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule an in-person, phone, or Zoom consultation, or schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar — in 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes — to ensure their immigration questions get the attention they deserve on their schedules and learn more about our services and how we can help them confidently move forward.
What Options Are Available for Undocumented Immigrants Seeking Legal Status in Chicago?
Depending on their circumstances, undocumented immigrants in Chicago and throughout Illinois may have several options available to obtain legal status.
Here are some potential avenues our skilled immigration attorney can help Chicago residents with:
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
DACA is a program that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for undocumented individuals who came to the United States as children. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including continuous residence in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and meeting educational or military service requirements.
Family-Based Immigration
Undocumented immigrants may be eligible for family-based immigration if they have a qualifying family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Eligible relationships include spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21.
However, certain factors, such as unlawful presence in the U.S., may trigger reentry bars, and waivers may be required.
U Visas
Undocumented immigrants who are victims of certain crimes and have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse may be eligible for U nonimmigrant status (U visa). This visa provides temporary legal status and work authorization to qualifying crime victims cooperating with law enforcement.
T Visas
Victims of human trafficking, including undocumented immigrants, may be eligible for T nonimmigrant status (T visa). T visas provide temporary legal status and work authorization to victims of severe forms of trafficking who are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking crimes.
Asylum or Refugee Status
Undocumented immigrants who fear persecution in their home countries due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may be eligible for asylum or refugee status.
Asylum seekers must apply within one year of arriving in the U.S. Refugee status is typically obtained through the resettlement process of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Our Law Firm in Illinois Also Focuses on the Following City
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our immigration attorney is personally committed to being a trustworthy legal partner for each Chicago client and will stand by your side throughout the immigration process. Here, you are not a case; you are a human being, part of a beloved family that needs our help, and we have dedicated our lives to ensuring you get it.
We believe in you, your immigration journey, and your success. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your unique case, or schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar — in 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes — to ensure your immigration questions get the attention they deserve on your schedule.
Directions from Chicago, Illinois to Kasturi Law, LLC
Total Est. Time: 34 min Total Est. Distance: 30.9 Miles
Get on I-88 E in Lisle Township from N Washington St and US-34 E/E Ogden Ave
Head south toward W Van Buren Ave
Turn left onto W Van Buren Ave
Turn left onto S Webster St
Turn right onto Douglas Ave
Turn left onto N Washington St
Turn right onto US-34 E/E Ogden Ave
Turn left onto Naperville Wheaton Rd
Use any lane to turn left onto Naperville Rd
Use the right lane to merge with I-88 E via the ramp to Chicago
Follow I-88 E and I-290 E to W Ida B. Wells Dr in Chicago
Merge with I-88 E
Merge with I-290 E
Continue onto IL-110 E
Continue on W Ida B. Wells Dr. Drive to S Federal St
Streamlining Consular Processing for Illinois Residents: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
February 10, 2025
For many Illinois residents seeking immigrant visas, consular processing is crucial in achieving lawful permanent residency in the United States. This process...
Conditional Green Cards vs. Permanent Residency: What Illinois Residents Need to Know
February 7, 2025
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be challenging, especially when understanding the differences between conditional green cards and permanent residency....
Adjusting Status After Overstaying a Visa: Legal Options and Considerations
February 3, 2025
Many immigrants overstay their visas, often due to unforeseen circumstances or misinformation. While the consequences of overstaying can be significant,...
Filing for a K-1 Visa After Meeting Your Fiancé Online: Special Considerations
November 1, 2024
With the rise of online dating platforms, more couples are forming meaningful relationships across international borders. Many of these relationships...
The Importance of Legal Representation When Responding to an RFE
October 28, 2024
Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be overwhelming, especially in complex immigration cases. An...
How to File a VAWA Self-Petition for Immigration Relief
September 14, 2024
Filing a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents...
Help! I Received a Notice of Intent to Deny Letter from USCIS. What Now?
June 22, 2024
At Kasturi Law, our Illinois immigration and nationality law attorney helps individuals whose immigration applications are found to have significant...
Shobhana Kasturi, our Naperville and Schaumburg immigration and nationality law attorney and Kasturi Law, LLC firm founder, knows the I-751 interview is...
The Role of the National Visa Center (NVC) in Consular Processing
May 22, 2024
Our Illinois-based national immigration law attorney and Kasturi Law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, knows the U.S. Department of State National Visa...
The Importance of Medical Examinations in Immigrant Visa Applications
May 18, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Illinois-based national immigration law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, knows immigrant visa applicants must...
The Importance of Adjustment of Status: Why It Matters
May 14, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville and Schaumburg immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, helps individuals and families...
What are the Reunification Procedures for Family-Based Immigration Cases?
April 22, 2024
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC provides individuals with real-time legal solutions for family-based immigration...
What are the Most Common Challenges in the U.S. Immigration Process?
April 17, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney, a first-generation immigrant, empathizes deeply with the challenges of...
How Can I Petition for Current or Future Family Members to Immigrate to the United States?
April 1, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney helps individuals throughout Illinois and surrounding areas petition for...
What is the Process of Appealing Immigration Decisions and Obtaining Waivers for Inadmissibility Issues?
March 22, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney knows the process of appealing immigration decisions and obtaining waivers for...
What Does Unlawful Presence Mean, and How Does it Impact the Immigration Process?
March 16, 2024
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC, explains to our clients that “Unlawful Presence” refers to the period when...
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC, understands that preparing for a U.S. immigrant visa can be a stressful...
How Can the Violence Against Women Act Help Immigrants in Abusive Relationships?
March 8, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville Violence Against Women Act immigration attorney knows the Act’s provisions offer essential protections and avenues for...
Can an Immigration Attorney Help with Complex Family Sponsorship Cases?
March 2, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney provides our clients with invaluable legal guidance when handling complex family...
Who is Eligible to File for a U Non-Immigrant Visa?
February 29, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney, knows the U Non-Immigrant Visa is specifically for victims of crimes who...
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC, knows when someone obtains lawful permanent resident status (green card) through marriage...
Tips for a Successful Adjustment of Status or Naturalization Interview
February 8, 2024
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC, knows adjustment of status and naturalization interviews share some similarities but...
Naturalization, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, requires applicants to demonstrate commitment to the United States through continuous residence....
Do You Have Enough $ Money to Support Yourself? (Qualify for Green Card)
November 17, 2023
Understanding the intricacies of U.S. immigration law, particularly regarding green card self-sponsorship, is critical for those seeking permanent residency. With...
Consular Processing, Non-Immigrant Visa (B2s and F1’s), What to Expect at the Interview?
October 20, 2023
U.S. immigration requires a comprehensive understanding of the various visa processes, including consular processing for non-immigrant visas such as B2...
The journey toward obtaining an immigrant visa in the United States involves various legal procedures and intricacies. Among them, consular processing stands...
JUST RECEIVED A NOTICE OF INTENT TO DENY (NOID) FOR A 1-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (about the reinstatement of F1 status)? A LITTLE BIT OF INVESTIGATING THE FACTS CAN GOAL
Case Facts: I had an FN spouse who had filed a second pro se reinstatement of F1 status. She had...
Just received a seemingly unreasonable Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) for an I-130? How investigating the facts and providing additional evidence can end with positive results. Any Lessons Learned?
Case Facts: Foreign National (FN) and his US Citizen(USC) spouse, who filed their one-step adjustment several years prior, came in...
I sought the services of Kasturi Law firm to help me with Naturalization Process. The experience of working with Shobhana could not have been better! By end of our Initial...
Very good consultation. Very considerate lawyer. Everything explained very well. Answered all of our questions. My parents were comfortable in hindi language, she speaks the language, made everything a lot...
– V.S.
I met Ms. Kasturi to discuss about my parents green card process. She is an Excellent attorney, is very experienced & knowledgeable and a thorough professional. She gave us all...
– T.R.
Shobana is an extremely caring and talented professional with an iron clad dedication for her clients. She works tirelessly and explores every possible avenue for any problem you come to...
– J.M.
I’m fortunate to have Mrs Kasturi as our family immigration lawyer. Regardless of what nationality she did not refuse to help me. I’m Polish and I will encourage all Polish...
– M.S.
Shobhana is a highly qualified and caring lawyer. I did plenty of research before choosing an immigration lawyer and I was looking for someone who was highly rated and someone...
– A.
I’m fortunate to have Mrs Kasturi as our family immigration lawyer. Regardless of what nationality she did not refuse to help me. I’m Polish and I will encourage all Polish...
– M.S.
It was pleasure working with Shobhana. I strongly recommend her for RFE response.
– K.G.
My case was that of a change of status from B1/B2 to F-1. This is one of the most difficult change of status to carry out and I got a...
– D.M.
I had the best experience working with Kasturi Law, LLC on my I751 waiver case. She was incredibly human, and responsive throughout the process, patiently explaining all details and taking...
– N.F.
We had a great experience working with Shobhana on our immigration case. She is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to the clients she works with. Shobhana helped us step by step...
– D.M.
Shobhana is a dedicated and caring attorney I will highly recommend her for an incredible job with my case which had a positive outcome. shes always on point and always...
– F.R.
Excellent Experience! I would definitely recommend Shobhana to friends and family. She’s a pleasure to work with and dedicated time to work our case for the best result. Thank You...
– V.B.
Shobhana Kasturi has helped me with the US Naturalization process. She is very organized, well planned, polite and extremely very quick to respond to the questions which makes easy and...
– V.P.
Shobhana is very competent. She walked us throughout every step of the process and she was very informative. I recommend her for any immigration matter
– F.
Shobhana is outstanding as an attorney as well as a person. Detail-oriented, very helpful, accommodative despite being busy, and sympathetic. I would recommend her as immigration attorney without any hesitation.
– M.V.
Shobhana was very responsive and reassuring throughout our legal process. She addressed our questions and concerns quickly and in a very professional manner. She was honest and up-front about any...
– A.
Attorney Shobhana is very knowledgeable and experienced Attorney. I would like to say she is more than an Attorney, in my case (very critical and crucial one, US Citizenship) she...
– S.D.
We retained the services of Kasturi Law, LLC in mid 2021 to assist in getting my wife’s permanent resident status with the USCIS. Shobhana was very professional, thorough, and proactive....
– T.H.
Shobhana is AMAZING! She is extremely knowledgeable.I can’t say enough about her hard work, professionalism and transparency. She is on the top of everything and each step goes nice and...
– P.D.
Shobhana from Kasturi Law is a top notch and very knowledgeable immigration attorney that helped us through the naturalization process including an appeal. She was very proactive, well organized and...
– S.S.
Shobhana is fantastic and is 100% with you for the whole process. She also makes sure you are well prepared before your interview. Two things I really appreciated was her...
– A.F.
I had a great experience with Shobhana representing our case. She stuck by us through the whole process that took year and a half. We are eternally grateful to her...
User
I was very impressed with the attention, care, and professionalism I received from Shobhana. All of my questions and doubts were addressed from the very beginning and I was updated...
– MK.M.
I have had immigration issue with my F-1 status, and Shobhana ma’am provided me with all of the information I needed to take the next steps in my case. I...
– R.T.
I had an excellent experience with Mrs. Shobhana Kasturi as my immigration attorney. From the initial consultation to the final resolution of my case, she provided exceptional service and support....
– L.C.
Shobana was extremely professional, knowledgeable. It was a comfort to feel I was in good hands and to know I had made the best choice in choosing this law firm....
S.Z.
Shobhana was available on short notice on a saturday when I reached out regarding an urgent consultation. She provided competent guidance on the matter and continued to stay available until...
J.V.
We retained Kasturi Law for responding to a RFE for a family member’s green card application. Shobhana’s work is extremely thorough. She took great care in getting the right information...
A.N.
Shobhana @ Kasturi Law, was very professional, yet empathetic, so as to be able to understand her clients needs and situation. Very good advise provided during consultation.
S.B.
Shobhana amended our I130 application from adjustment of status to consular processing successfully and coordinated between our case and congressional help efficiently, which allowed for a timely approval of the...
D.K.
I would highly recommend her for any visa related consultations, is very thorough and professional.
A.S.
Kasturi law firm filed my GC, Shobhana showed high professionalism, a very detailed oriented person who makes sure that the processing will go successfully without any RFEs. The process was...
V.A.
Shobhna is a very talented and knowledgeable lawyer, She is best for all your immigration issues, She is very quick and prompt in communication, I received a RFE in my...
G.M.
Kasturi Law firm is a great and reliable immigration attorney to work with. I highly Recommend Shobana for any of your Immigration needs.
O.A.
I recently went through the Naturalization process using the law firm of Kasturi Law located in Naperville. One of my best decisions was to use this law firm as I...
C.S.
I recently had the privilege of working with Shobhna Kasturi, an immigration lawyer who has truly set the gold standard in her field. She approached my case with a deep...
D.P.
I had a complex immigration situation that required the expertise of an immigration lawyer, and I’m extremely grateful to have found Shobhana. Her professionalism throughout the process was exceptional. She...
R.M.
I recently had the privilege of working with Shobhna Kasturi, an immigration lawyer who has truly set the gold standard in her field. She approached my case with a deep...
M.A.
Shobhana is very knowledgeable and thorough. From the initial consult, she clearly outlined what to expect throughout mine and my fiancé’s K1 visa application and what her role would be....
C.Z
I am so so glad I retained Shobhana as my attorney , throughout my case she was highly vigilant and extremely professional She was always ten steps ahead of me...
S.A.
Hired Shobhana because I have a disability and trying to navigate the process of applying for citizenship on my own was such a daunting and unnerving task. From the beginning,...
Y.D.
Shobhana is an excellent immigration attorney. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the approval process and the paperwork requirements, were the key to our success. Mum’s green card arrived in...
K.J.
Ms Kasturi is a dedicated and sympathetic lawyer. She is very well versed, meticulous, detailed, patient and trust worthy. All needed in doing her job well and puts her clients...
S W
I was in process of applying my GC through the L2 visa program and need a lawyer who can help me since I have small problems on my case ....
A.S.
Shobhana is amazing. She’s very thorough and professional. She responds to inquiries very timely and always available for her clients. She explains the immigration process very well. I highly recommend...
An immigration attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC can assist you by providing legal advice, preparing and filing necessary paperwork, representing you in court, and ensuring that you meet all legal requirements and deadlines. Our goal is to simplify the immigration process and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
The duration of the immigration process varies depending on the type of application and individual circumstances. Factors such as case complexity, government processing times, and changes in immigration policy can all impact timelines. During your consultation, our seasoned attorney will provide a more specific estimate based on your unique situation.
You can check the status of your immigration case through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using your receipt number. Additionally, our lead attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC is available to provide updates and answer any questions you may have about your case status.
Eligibility includes individuals who are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and who can demonstrate that their absence would cause extreme hardship to their qualifying relative. You also must be over the age of seventeen and be in the United States physically.
Yes, an attorney can assist with preparing and submitting the application, ensuring all requirements are met, and representing you in interviews or appeals.
Consular processing is the method of applying for a visa or green card at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the United States. Our firm has experience in handling these types of cases. At Kasturi Law, LLC our attorney can walk you through the whole process.
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. This process typically involves meeting all requirements, filling out an application, attending a citizenship interview, passing a test, and then taking an oath of allegiance.
To be eligible, both parties must be legally free to marry, have met in person within the past two years, and intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival in the U.S. The partner not from the U.S. must also not have been convicted of any serious crimes to be approved.
Requirements include continuous residence in the U.S., good moral character, proficiency in English, and knowledge of U.S. history and government. Other requirements include being over the age of 18 and you must have been living in the United States for at least five years.
An attorney can assist with preparing and submitting the application, ensuring all requirements are met, and representing you in any required interviews.
An attorney can review the RFE, help gather the necessary evidence, and prepare a comprehensive response to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
A NOID is a notice from USCIS indicating that your application is likely to be denied unless you can provide additional evidence or clarification. This notice is intended to give you a chance to add in any missing information or address any concerns before your application is officially denied.
Eligibility includes demonstrating that the status violation was beyond the student’s control, that they are currently pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study, and they have the financial resources to support themselves.
An attorney can assist with preparing and submitting the passport application, ensuring all requirements are met, and representing you in any interactions with the Department of State.
To obtain a fiancé visa (K-1 visa), the U.S. citizen must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, with USCIS. Once approved, the foreign fiancé can apply for the K-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. After arriving in the U.S., the couple must marry within 90 days. An attorney can help guide you through each step of this process, ensuring all requirements are met and assisting with any complications that may arise.
Hiring a citizenship lawyer can help ensure that your application is properly prepared and submitted, avoiding common mistakes that can lead to delays or denials. A lawyer can also provide personalized advice on any issues that might affect your eligibility, represent you during the naturalization interview, and help you navigate any challenges that arise during the process.