Herndon Family Preference Visas Lawyers

Helping Families Navigate U.S. Immigration Law in Fairfax County

Family reunification is an important aspect of immigration law in the United States. U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can take steps to help family members in other countries join them in the United States. However, understanding the requirements that must be met when applying for visas can often be a complex matter. Family members will need to be aware of the forms that must be filed, and documentation that must be provided, and the steps that will be followed throughout the immigration process.

A skilled and experienced attorney can provide invaluable legal help and guidance for families who are seeking visas and Green Cards. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we provide knowledgeable representation, helping our clients understand the laws that will apply in their situations, assisting with applications, preparing for interviews, and addressing any concerns that may arise. We work with families to ensure that they meet all of their legal requirements when applying for Family Preference visas, with the goal of ensuring that family members will be able to live together in the United States.

Categories of Family Preference Visas

Certain types of family relationships will qualify for Immediate Relative visas, and spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens will usually be able to immigrate to the United States quickly. For other types of family relationships, Family Preference visas may be available. These visas are issued based on an order of preference:

1. First Preference (F1) - U.S. citizens can sponsor children who are over the age of 21, as long as those children are unmarried.
2. Second Preference (F2) - Lawful permanent residents can sponsor their immediate family members for these types of visas. This category is divided into F2A visas for (spouses and unmarried minor children) and F2B visas for unmarried children over the age of 21.
3. Third Preference (F3) - U.S. citizens can sponsor their married children for this category of visa.
4. Fourth Preference (F4) - U.S. citizens can provide sponsorship for their brothers or sisters, as long as the citizen is 21 or older.

Other family members may also qualify as derivative applicants. These include spouses or unmarried minor children of primary applicants. For example, if a person qualifies for an F3 visa as the married child of a U.S. citizen, their spouse and their unmarried minor children may also be eligible for visas.

The number of Family Preference visas issued annually is limited. A certain number of visas will be allocated for each category, and limits will also apply to the number of visas that can be issued for people from each country. These quotas can result in significant wait times for applicants. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our attorneys can help families understand the amount of time that may be required during the application process, and we can provide guidance on what types of temporary visas or other options may be available that will allow family members to live together in the United States while they are waiting for approval on immigrant visas and Green Cards.

Requirements for Sponsorship for Family Preference Visas

To sponsor a relative for a Family Preference visa, a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder must a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130). This will establish a family relationship and put the immigrant family member on the waiting list for a visa. The sponsor must also submit an Affidavit of Support, which is a legally binding document stating that they have adequate financial resources and are willing to support the visa applicant until they become self-sufficient. Supporting documentation will also need to be filed to prove the family relationship and ensure that the sponsor has the proper legal status to request a visa for a family member.

Our experienced immigration attorneys can assist with compiling and reviewing all necessary documentation to ensure compliance with these requirements. We can also help a family member prepare for their visa interview, providing guidance on the types of questions that will be asked and the documentation and other information that will be required.

Contact Our Herndon Family Preference Visa Attorneys

Applying for a visa and Green Card based on family relationships can be a lengthy, complex process that involves strict legal requirements and a variety of potential roadblocks. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our experienced lawyers can help reduce the stress of this process by ensuring that the proper procedures are followed. With our help, a family can increase the chances of a successful outcome to their immigration case. To get legal help with matters related to immigration, reach out to us at 571-441-2233 and set up a free consultation. We are fluent in English and Spanish, and we are dedicated to providing compassionate guidance and effective representation for families who are seeking to live together in the U.S.