While there are countless ways for a foreign resident to lawfully enter the United States, one of the most commonly used options is family immigration. The law allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their loved ones for a visa that could ultimately provide them with a path to citizenship.
If you are considering immigrating to this country, a Scottsdale family immigration lawyer could help. There are different options available, and selecting the appropriate path is crucial. Before you attempt to apply on your own, let a dedicated immigration attorney help.
There are two distinct programs available that a Scottsdale family immigration attorney can help with: immediate relatives and family preference. The right approach depends on the applicant’s relationship with their sponsor.
In both systems, a citizen or permanent resident must act as a sponsor for a loved one. The nature of this relationship also has a big role in how this process plays out.
Of the two options, the immediate relatives system is the most preferred. This is due to one simple reason: no annual cap on visas. If a person meets all of the qualifications, they do not have to wait months or years for a spot to open.
To qualify for immediate relative immigration, the sponsor must be a United States citizen. While there are options available to the families of lawful permanent residents, they will not qualify for this approach. To qualify, an applicant must be the spouse or child of a citizen. Children are only eligible if they are unmarried and below 21 years of age. Parents also qualify, but only if the sponsor is at least 21.
The family preference system is designed to cover close family members who do not qualify as immediate relatives. It includes spouses and children of permanent residents as well as siblings and married offspring of U.S. citizens.
The major downside to this program is that there is an annual cap on the number of visas issued. This can lead to a years-long wait for a chance to come to the U.S.
In addition to the standard approach to family immigration, a legal professional in Scottsdale could also help make special arrangements for the romantic partners of American citizens. While the typical visa options are only available to spouses, the federal government provides a program designed for a person engaged to a citizen to get married in the United States.
A K-1 visa provides an applicant with the opportunity to travel to the United States for the purpose of marrying a United States citizen. It is important to note that this visa is temporary, lasting only 90 days. In order to remain in the country, the applicant will need to adjust their legal status after the wedding.
There is also the opportunity to bring children to this country under a K-1 visa. With the support of the right legal counsel, it is possible to rely on this program to build a family in this country.
If you believe you qualify for a family-based visa, now is the right time to seek legal counsel. The support of a Scottsdale family immigration lawyer could have a tremendous impact on your case. Reach out to discuss your legal options during a private consultation.
