Family-Based Immigration: Reuniting Loved Ones in the United States
Your Trusted Immigration Attorneys Helping Families Build Their Lives Together
Introduction
Family-based immigration provides a pathway for foreign nationals to reunite with their loved ones and build a life together in the United States. The U.S. government recognizes the importance of keeping families together and offers a range of visa categories that allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to sponsor certain family members for immigration. At E-Z Immigration, our dedicated immigration attorneys are here to guide you through the family-based immigration process, helping you navigate the complexities and achieve your goal of reuniting with family members in the United States.
Why Pursue Family-Based Immigration?
Family-based immigration offers several compelling benefits:
- Reuniting Families: It allows U.S. citizens and Green Card holders to reunite with their spouses, children, parents, and siblings who may be living abroad.
- Legal Status: Sponsored family members can obtain legal status in the United States, granting them the right to live and work in the country.
- Permanent Residency: Many family-sponsored visas can lead to lawful permanent residency (Green Card), providing long-term stability in the U.S.
- Emotional and Social Support: Family reunification fosters emotional and social support networks, contributing to the well-being of individuals and families.
Common Family-Based Visa Categories
There are several family-sponsored visa categories, each designed to address specific family relationships:
- Immediate Relatives: This category includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. Immediate relatives have no annual visa limits.
- Family Preference Categories: These categories include unmarried adult children (F1), married children (F3), and siblings (F4) of U.S. citizens, as well as spouses and unmarried children of Green Card holders (F2A and F2B).
- K-1 Visa: Also known as the fiancé(e) visa, this category allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e)s to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage.
The Family-Based Immigration Process
The process for family-based immigration typically involves the following key steps:
- Sponsorship: A U.S. citizen or Green Card holder sponsors their eligible family member by filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Visa Availability: USCIS reviews the petition and, if approved, forwards it to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC determines visa availability based on the visa category and the foreign national’s relationship with the sponsor.
- Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status: The sponsored family member may undergo consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad or adjust their status if they are already in the U.S.
- Medical Examination and Interview: The sponsored family member may be required to undergo a medical examination and attend an interview, either at a U.S. embassy or USCIS office.
- Visa Approval: Once the visa is approved, the sponsored family member can enter the U.S. and begin the process of establishing legal status.
Why Choose E-Z Immigration for Your Family-Based Immigration?
- Experience: Our immigration attorneys have extensive experience helping families reunite through family-based immigration.
- Efficiency: We are committed to expediting the family-based immigration process, reducing processing times to the greatest extent possible.
- Expertise: We stay up-to-date with the latest immigration laws and regulations to ensure that your petition is prepared accurately.
- Communication: We maintain open and responsive communication, keeping you informed at every stage of your family-based immigration process.
Contact Us Today
If you are eager to reunite with your family members in the United States or help your loved ones immigrate, contact E-Z Immigration today for a consultation. Our dedicated immigration attorneys are committed to helping you navigate the family-based immigration process and achieve the goal of keeping your family together in the United States. Your journey to reunification starts here.