by E. Gonzalez, Esq.

Law FirmJuly 21, 20230 comments 0 Likes

How to Navigate Family-Based Immigration: A Complete Guide.

Introduction :

Obtaining family-based visas can be a long and drawn-out process, as there are numerous steps that must be followed precisely. Experienced attorneys can provide comprehensive legal services to help you understand the requirements and ensure everything is done correctly. Whether you are a petitioning relative or the beneficiary of a family-based green card process, we can guide you through the entire procedure. Our marriage-based green card attorney process in Lynn helps clients navigate the complex and often cumbersome United States immigration system. 

Petitioners and Beneficiaries :

A petitioner must file Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to start the family-based green card process in Lynn, MA. The petitioner must be an immediate family member of the beneficiary, including the spouse, parent, or unmarried minor child of a U.S. citizen; an adult son or daughter of a U.S. citizen; or a brother or sister of a U.S. citizen over 21 years old who meets specific requirements as detailed by USCIS.

The beneficiary of the petition must meet specific requirements, including having a valid passport and being admissible to the United States. The beneficiary must also have a qualifying relationship with the petitioner, such as an immediate or extended family member who meets specific criteria. 

Eligibility for the Family-based Green Card :

To be eligible for a family-based green card in Lynn, MA, you must either be an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or fit into one of four categories of family preference visas: F1 First Preference; F2 Second Preference, F3 Third Preference, and F4 Fourth Preference.

Immediate Relatives include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens over the age of 21. These relatives are given priority and do not have to wait for a visa number to become available since there is no limit on the number of immigrants who can be approved in this category. 

Family Preference visas are allocated based on numerical limits established by Congress each year. Those eligible for Family Preference visas include unmarried sons and daughters over 21 US citizens; married sons and daughters over 21 US citizens; siblings of US citizens over 21, etc.  

F1 First Preference applicants must meet the following requirements: be an unmarried son or daughter (over 21) of a US citizen; be a spouse, minor child, or unmarried son/daughter of a Lawful Permanent Resident; and have an approved I-130 Petition. 

F2 Second Preference applicants must meet the following requirements: be a spouse or unmarried children (under 21) of Lawful Permanent Residents and have an approved I-130 Petition. 

F3 Third Preference applicants must meet the following requirements: be married sons and daughters (over 21) of US citizens, be their spouses, and have an approved I-130 petition. 

F4 Fourth Preference applicants must meet the following requirements: be siblings of US citizens over 21 years old, be their spouses, and have an approved I-130 petition. 

Each preference category has its own set of requirements and visa availability, which can significantly impact the waiting time and overall process. If you are unsure of your eligibility, you should consult with a Family-based green card process lawyer in Lynn, who can help you with all four category visas.

Green Card Application Process :

Once you have determined your eligibility for a family-based green card, you should consult with a green card process lawyer in Boston, MA. A lawyer can help you understand the requirements and process for applying for a green card and can ensure that your application is complete and accurate. The application process begins with filing Form I-130. This form must be accompanied by supporting documents to establish the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. After receiving your petition, USCIS will review it and send you a receipt notice. Once approved, USCIS will send your file to the National Visa Center (NVC). 

The NVC will contact you and request additional forms and documents. These documents include evidence of financial support, medical records, proof of legal status in the U.S., passport photographs, etc. You may also be asked to provide an Affidavit of Support from the petitioning family member. 

You must attend an interview at a US consulate or embassy abroad. You will be asked questions about your relationship with the petitioning family member and background information. A green card process lawyer in Boston, MA, can help you prepare for the interview. Once approved, you will receive an immigrant visa to enter the US as a permanent resident. 

Priority Dates and Visa Bulletins :

Priority dates play a crucial role in the family-based immigration process. They determine when an applicant can proceed with the following steps: attending the green card interview or submitting additional forms. The Visa Bulletin provides a monthly update on visa availability based on preference categories and countries of changeability. It is essential to stay informed about priority dates to ensure timely progress in the immigration process.

Conclusion :

Obtaining a family-based green card is an arduous process that requires detailed knowledge of the U.S. immigration system. Our experienced marriage-based green card attorney in Lynn, MA, can help you understand the requirements and provide comprehensive service to guide you through the procedure. Contact us today for assistance with understanding your eligibility for a family-based visa, filing an I-130 petition, and preparing for any interviews or other steps needed to obtain a family-based green card in Lynn, Massachusetts. 

We are dedicated to providing effective legal services and helping clients navigate the complicated US Immigration process. Our lawyers have decades of experience and are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest developments in US Immigration law, so you can trust us to handle your case and fulfill all. We understand that every case is unique and will work closely with you to create a strategy for success. We will provide guidance and support throughout the entire process. 

For more information, please contact our experienced family-based green card attorney in Lynn, MA, at Gonzalez Legal today! We look forward to helping you achieve your immigration goals!