San Juan, PR Family Immigration Attorney

Lawyer Helping With Family-Based Visas and Green Cards in San Juan

Family reunification is one of the most common reasons people from other countries plan to come to the United States. Under the country's immigration laws, certain relatives can apply for immigrant visas after receiving sponsorship from citizens or lawful permanent residents. After receiving approval for a visa and entering the U.S., family members can receive Green Cards and become permanent residents. In Puerto Rico, where many people have strong family ties to other countries, family-based immigration can help them bring their loved ones to live with them.

Even when family members meet the qualifications for immigration, they will need to complete the complicated process of preparing and submitting applications for visas and Green Cards. Extensive documentation must be filed with immigration officials. Some families may need to deal with long wait times before they will receive approval for visas. To make sure all legal issues will be addressed correctly during this process, families can work with an attorney who understands their unique needs.

At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we help families in San Juan throughout every stage of the immigration process. We will ensure that all necessary forms and documents are filed correctly. We can also address any challenges that may arise, such as inadmissibility issues or delays in processing. With legal assistance from our San Juan family immigration lawyer, families can navigate the system more efficiently and take steps to reunite in Puerto Rico or other parts of the United States.

Who Qualifies for Family-Based Immigration?

Eligibility for family-based visas will depend on a sponsor's legal status and their relationships with the family members they are sponsoring. Family members who may qualify for visas include:

Spouses, Children, and Parents of U.S. Citizens

People in this category will have the highest priority, and there are no annual limits on the number of Immediate Relative visas that may be issued for qualifying family members. A citizen can provide sponsorship for their sponsor's spouse, children (as long as children are not married and are below the age of 21), and parents (as long as the sponsor is over the age of 21). Immediate Relative visas typically have shorter processing times than other types of visas.

Other Family Members

When family members are not eligible for Immediate Relatives visas, they may still be eligible for other visa categories. Family Preference visas may become available based on an order of priority, and since a limited number of visas are available each year, applicants may face significant wait times depending on factors like the category of visa and a person's country of origin. The preference categories for these visas include:

• First Preference (F1): Children of citizens who are over the age of 21 and are not married
• Second Preference (F2A and F2B): Spouses of lawful permanent residents, as well as children who are not married
• Third Preference (F3): Children of citizens who are married
• Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of citizens (as long as the sponsor is over the age of 21)

Fiancé(e)s of U.S. Citizens

A separate category of visas may be used in situations where citizens plan to marry romantic partners who are living in other countries. A citizen can sponsor their fiancé or fiancée for a K-1 visa, and once approved, the person will be able to come to the United States. A couple must get married within 90 days after the date of entry, and once they are legally married, they can apply for a Green Card for the foreign-born spouse.

Addressing Challenges in Family-Based Immigration

Even when a family member is eligible for a visa, complications may arise that could require legal intervention. Some common challenges include:

• Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Missing forms or errors in submissions can lead immigration officials to ask for additional documentation or other forms of evidence. In some cases, errors may lead to the denial of a visa.
• Inadmissibility Issues: Certain factors, such as previous immigration violations, a criminal record, or health-related concerns, may make a person inadmissible. Some applicants may need to apply for waivers of inadmissibility to overcome these barriers.
• Lengthy Wait Times: Some applicants may have to wait years before a visa becomes available. Our lawyer can help explore potential alternatives, such as humanitarian parole or nonimmigrant visa options.
• Consular Processing Delays: Applicants who attend interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates in other countries may face administrative processing delays or other issues that could affect their applications. Our attorney can help navigate these issues and ensure that immigrants and sponsors take the correct steps to obtain approval for visas.
• Immigration Hearings: If a visa petition is denied, it may be possible to file an appeal or a motion to reopen the case. Our lawyer can make sure the right steps are followed during an appeal while providing representation in hearings and advocating for family members before an immigration judge.

Contact Our San Juan, Puerto Rico Family-Based Immigration Lawyer

Reuniting with loved ones through the U.S. immigration process requires patience, careful planning, and a strong understanding of immigration laws. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC our attorney can provide the support needed to navigate this process successfully. If you need assistance with a family-based immigration petition, contact us today by calling or texting us at 571-441-2233.