Family-Based Immigration: Bringing Your Loved Ones to the U.S.
Family is the cornerstone of life, and at Ankeny Law, a leading immigration law firm based in Phoenix and Vancouver, we understand the importance of uniting families across borders. U.S. immigration law allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members for immigration, creating a path for families to come together in the United States. This guide provides an overview of the family-based immigration process and how we can assist you in navigating this journey
1. Who Can You Sponsor? U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) have the privilege of sponsoring certain family members for immigration. For U.S. citizens, eligible relatives include:
- Spouses and fiancé(e)s.
- Children, both minor and adult, married and unmarried.
- Parents, once the U.S. citizen sponsor is 21 years or older.
- Siblings, provided the sponsor is 21 years or older.
For permanent residents, the scope is more limited, generally extending to:
- Spouses.
- Unmarried children.
2. The Petition Process: The first step in family-based immigration is filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). U.S. citizens and permanent residents must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the qualifying relationship.
3. Priority Dates and Visa Availability: Family-based immigration visas are subject to annual caps, and the demand often exceeds the supply, especially for certain categories. This system operates on a “priority date,” which is essentially your place in the waiting line. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, minor children, and parents) are not subject to these caps, while other relatives might face significant wait times.
4. Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must prove they have the financial means to support their relative(s) in the U.S. This is done by filing an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), demonstrating that the sponsor’s income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
5. The Application Process for Relatives: Once the petition is approved and a visa becomes available, relatives residing outside the U.S. will undergo consular processing. This involves applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. For relatives already in the U.S., they may apply for an adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
6. The Importance of Legal Assistance: Navigating the family-based immigration process can be complex and time-consuming. At Ankeny Law, our experienced immigration attorneys provide comprehensive support to ensure a smooth and successful process. We assist with preparing and filing petitions, managing application timelines, and addressing potential legal complexities that may arise.
Conclusion: Reuniting families is a rewarding aspect of immigration law, and at Ankeny Law, we are committed to helping you bring your loved ones to the U.S. With our expertise and personalized approach, we strive to make the family-based immigration process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Need Help with Family-Based Immigration? Contact Ankeny Law today. Our team, with offices in Phoenix and Vancouver, is ready to assist you in navigating the intricacies of family-based immigration and turning your dream of reuniting with your family into a reality.
