A family preference visa is one of the solutions that immigrants can use to achieve permanent resident status in the United States. However, acquiring family preference visas in Glendale can bring some challenges, especially if you are not familiar with the requirements or struggle to complete all required paperwork and documentation. A local family-based immigration lawyer can provide all you need to know about these visas and make this process as seamless as possible.
Family preference visas allow family members who are citizens or long-term permanent residents of the United States to sponsor an individual who wants to immigrate to the country. There are several types of family preference visas depending on the relationship:
There are a limited number of family preference visas available each year, which is why you should contact a lawyer in Glendale. The number of available visas can depend on a number of factors. Filing documentation early and completely can make it easier for immigrants and their family members to take care of those requirements and increase the odds that they will go through.
When applying for family preference visas in Glendale, the process must start with the citizen or permanent resident. That individual should file Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), filling out a separate form for each family member intending to pursue a family preference visa.
In order to file that form, the applicant may need to provide documentation of citizenship and relationship, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, or any other proof of relationship. USCIS will review the initial petition and determine whether any additional information is necessary.
Next, the case will move on to the National Visa Center. The prospective immigrant can then expect to go through an interview where they will discuss their plans in the United States and their relationship with the petitioner.
A family preference visa can help reunite families who have been separated during the immigration process and allow them to provide support for one another. Family preference visas may have considerable wait times, but in some cases, those waits can be shorter than other visa types. Working with an immigration lawyer can help families determine whether they have chosen the right visa type for their needs and provide support as they move forward.
Family preference visas can allow families to reunite and live together in the United States. Often, they are the final fulfillment of many years of planning and working. However, the process can be complex, with long wait times and complicated paperwork. At New Frontier Immigration Law, our attorneys will walk you through every step of the immigration journey, whether you’re just starting the process or you’re struggling to get a family preference visa approved for you or a family member. Reach out to us today for assistance.
