Family Based Immigration
The family-based immigration category allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents called LPR's to bring certain family members to the United States. There are 480,000 family-based visas available every year. Family-based immigrants are admitted to the U.S. either as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or through the family preference system.
There is no numerical limit on visas available for immediate relatives, but petitioners must meet certain age and financial requirements. There are a limited number of visas available every year under the family preference system, and petitioners must meet certain age and financial requirements.
The family-based immigration category allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents called LPR's to bring certain family members to the United States. There are 480,000 family-based visas available every year. Family-based immigrants are admitted to the U.S. either as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or through the family preference system.
There is no numerical limit on visas available for immediate relatives, but petitioners must meet certain age and financial requirements. There are a limited number of visas available every year under the family preference system, and petitioners must meet certain age and financial requirements.
FAMILY BASED VISAS I-130 PETITION
An I-130 is a Petition for Alien Relative and it applies to mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and children. Parents, spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of U.S. Citizens are considered immediate relatives and they are not placed under a quota system. The others are placed into preference order which determines who is given priority entry into the United States.
First Preference: Unmarried, adult sons and daughters of U.S citizens. Adult means 21 years of age or older.
Second Preference: Spouses of lawful permanent residents and theunmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents.
Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
Fourth Preference:Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.
This process can take a very long time (several years) depending upon the preference ranking.
To set up a free consultation about immigration, please call us at (201) 380-1050.
An I-130 is a Petition for Alien Relative and it applies to mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and children. Parents, spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of U.S. Citizens are considered immediate relatives and they are not placed under a quota system. The others are placed into preference order which determines who is given priority entry into the United States.
First Preference: Unmarried, adult sons and daughters of U.S citizens. Adult means 21 years of age or older.
Second Preference: Spouses of lawful permanent residents and theunmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents.
Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
Fourth Preference:Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.
This process can take a very long time (several years) depending upon the preference ranking.
To set up a free consultation about immigration, please call us at (201) 380-1050.
K-1 FIANCÉ VISAS
OBTAINING VISAS FOR FIANCÉS OUTSIDE THE U.S.
When you are engaged to be married and your fiancée resides in a foreign country, a United States citizen may apply to allow their fiancée to enter the U.S. for a 90 day period on a temporary visa. Upon entry, the fiancée can then apply for conditional permanent residency. Although this visa originates within the United States, the application is forwarded by the U.S. to the Consulate abroad. The home country of the fiancé will contact that individual for additional forms to be filled out and to schedule an interview. Once the visa is granted, it must be used within four months of issuance to enter the U.S.
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIANCÉ VISAS
The USCIS criteria for qualifying for a fiancée visa include the following:
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE K-1 VISA?
To satisfy the criteria established by the USCIS, it is important to have documentation showing that you have met your fiancé in person within the last two years. Correspondence like photos, cards, and even emails may be helpful. In addition to these standard requirements, you will need a current passport and two passport-style photos.
You must provide police certificates from countries you have resided in for more than six months since the age of 16. Although vaccinations may be optional, you must provide documentation of having taken a medical examination. If you have been married previously, you must provide divorce certificates and death certificates of the previous spouses.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR APPLICATIONS
One of the main reasons that couples encounter issues with the visa application process is that they are not prepared with all of the documentation and information they need. Every visa application is unique—the only way to secure the K-1 visa is to ensure that the consular officer receives all of the information they need. Depending on the particular circumstances of your situation, your visa application may need additional documentation above the standard.
Because many elements of the application process are time sensitive, it is important to have all necessary information ready. Failing to deliver documentation in a timely manner may prevent your fiancé from acquiring their visa.
To set up a free consultation about immigration, please call us at (201) 380-1050.
OBTAINING VISAS FOR FIANCÉS OUTSIDE THE U.S.
When you are engaged to be married and your fiancée resides in a foreign country, a United States citizen may apply to allow their fiancée to enter the U.S. for a 90 day period on a temporary visa. Upon entry, the fiancée can then apply for conditional permanent residency. Although this visa originates within the United States, the application is forwarded by the U.S. to the Consulate abroad. The home country of the fiancé will contact that individual for additional forms to be filled out and to schedule an interview. Once the visa is granted, it must be used within four months of issuance to enter the U.S.
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIANCÉ VISAS
The USCIS criteria for qualifying for a fiancée visa include the following:
- Must have met in person within two years of filing the petition
- The spouses must have a bona fide intention to marry
- Must be able and willing to conclude a valid marriage within 90 days of arrival
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE K-1 VISA?
To satisfy the criteria established by the USCIS, it is important to have documentation showing that you have met your fiancé in person within the last two years. Correspondence like photos, cards, and even emails may be helpful. In addition to these standard requirements, you will need a current passport and two passport-style photos.
You must provide police certificates from countries you have resided in for more than six months since the age of 16. Although vaccinations may be optional, you must provide documentation of having taken a medical examination. If you have been married previously, you must provide divorce certificates and death certificates of the previous spouses.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR APPLICATIONS
One of the main reasons that couples encounter issues with the visa application process is that they are not prepared with all of the documentation and information they need. Every visa application is unique—the only way to secure the K-1 visa is to ensure that the consular officer receives all of the information they need. Depending on the particular circumstances of your situation, your visa application may need additional documentation above the standard.
Because many elements of the application process are time sensitive, it is important to have all necessary information ready. Failing to deliver documentation in a timely manner may prevent your fiancé from acquiring their visa.
To set up a free consultation about immigration, please call us at (201) 380-1050.