The Best Immigration Attorneys in Champaign, Illinois
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Champaign, Illinois. Rated 4.7/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Susan Fortino-Brown
Law Office of Susan Fortino-Brown
Susan Fortino-Brown is a highly respected immigration attorney with over two decades of dedicated practice exclusively in immigration law. She has built a strong reputation for exceptional case success rates in family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense, with numerous clients praising her personalized approach and thorough legal strategies. Admitted to the Illinois Bar and various federal courts, she maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and consistently receives top client satisfaction scores for her expertise in complex immigration matters, including asylum cases and naturalization applications.
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Mark T. Kessler
Law Office of Mark T. Kessler
Mark T. Kessler is an experienced immigration attorney with nearly three decades of practice, specializing in a wide range of immigration services with a focus on deportation defense and business immigration. He is known for his aggressive litigation style and high success rates in removal proceedings, backed by extensive knowledge of immigration law and procedures. Clients frequently highlight his responsiveness and ability to navigate complex cases, contributing to his strong bar standing and numerous positive reviews for achieving favorable outcomes in family-based and employment-based immigration matters.
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David C. Neal
Law Office of David C. Neal
David C. Neal is a dedicated immigration attorney serving the Champaign-Urbana area with a focus on family-based immigration, asylum, and naturalization cases. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has developed a track record of success in handling deportation defense and visa applications, earning praise for his compassionate client service and detailed case preparation. Admitted to the Illinois Bar and U.S. District Courts, his practice is noted for high client satisfaction and expertise in navigating immigration system challenges, particularly for university affiliates and local businesses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Champaign, Illinois
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Champaign, IL typically handle?
Immigration attorneys in Champaign frequently assist with student and work visas for the large international community at the University of Illinois, family-based petitions for permanent residency, naturalization applications, and deportation defense. Given the city's academic environment, they have particular expertise with F-1, J-1, and H-1B visas for students, researchers, and professionals affiliated with the university and local tech companies.
How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer in Champaign?
You can start by checking the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory for members practicing in Champaign. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's International Student and Scholar Services often maintains a list of local attorneys familiar with academic immigration matters. Additionally, community organizations like the East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center (ECIRMAC) can provide trusted referrals for immigration legal services in the area.
Are there any free or low-cost immigration legal services available in Champaign?
Yes, the University of Illinois College of Law's Immigration Law Clinic provides free legal assistance to qualified individuals under faculty supervision. The East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center (ECIRMAC) also offers low-cost immigration services and consultations. For those who cannot afford private attorneys, these are valuable resources for assistance with applications, petitions, and other immigration matters in the Champaign area.
What should I bring to my first consultation with a Champaign immigration attorney?
You should bring all relevant immigration documents including your passport, I-94 arrival/departure record, any prior visa applications, and notices from USCIS or immigration courts. If you're a student or employee at the University of Illinois, bring your I-20 or DS-2019 forms and employment verification. Also bring any criminal records if applicable, as Illinois law may impact your immigration case. Having these documents organized will help the attorney provide the most accurate advice for your specific situation.
How does being a university town affect immigration services in Champaign?
Champaign's status as a university town means local immigration attorneys are particularly experienced with academic-related cases including student visa extensions, OPT and CPT applications, J-1 waiver requests, and transitioning from student status to work visas or permanent residency. The high concentration of international students, researchers, and faculty at the University of Illinois creates a specialized legal environment where attorneys understand the unique timelines and requirements of academic immigration processes.
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