You can petition for family members living abroad to immigrate to the United States. The USA has a policy goal of family reunification. Applying for and attaining permanent residence can be complex. The entire process requires attention to detail. As such, it is essential to learn everything you can to make settling in the USA painless.
Who You Can Sponsor
Before you begin the petition process, you must understand who is eligible for sponsorship. Beneficiaries of the petitioning process can be classified into “immediate” and “family preference” relatives. These categories can affect the application process.
There is no annual cap on the number of green cards given to immediate relatives. If the immigrant is your spouse, unmarried child under 21, a parent, or an orphan adopted abroad, they fit this category.
The family preference category is subject to the government’s quotas for visas. There is a limit on the number of green cards that can be approved. Additionally, there is a per-country limit. These limits can cause longer wait times. This category is subdivided into first, second, third, and fourth preference relatives.
Hire an Immigration Attorney
Petitioning for a family member to join you in the USA is complicated. Therefore, many opt for professional representation and support. It is a good idea to involve an immigration lawyer from the get-go. They can help establish someone’s eligibility to apply for permanent residence. Additionally, they can support you through every stage of petitioning. While it is not essential to hire an attorney, it is strongly recommended. It will make the process more straightforward and reduce mishaps.
If you have a family member interested in immigrating to the USA, this Austin immigration lawyer could help. Farmer Law are experts in the immigration process. Navigating immigration law can be challenging, so legal expertise may be required. As such, an attorney can provide support throughout the application process and beyond.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeframe for the approval of Form I-130 can vary significantly. The main factor that influences this is the sponsor’s relationship with the beneficiary.
Immediate relatives will generally receive an immigration visa faster than family preference relatives. Typically, it will take between five and nine months for an immediate relative to get a green card. For all other categories, receiving approval can take significantly longer, even years.
The post How to Help a Foreign Family Member Settle in the USA appeared first on Life. Family. Joy.