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One of the benefits of being a citizen of the United States is the ability to sponsor a family member for a green card. Some loved ones even qualify for immediate relative visas, which offer a fast track to legal status in this country.
If you qualify for an immediate relative visa in Charlotte, you have the chance to apply for a green card program that does not have a limit on the number of visas issued each year. A skilled immigration attorney from Sussman Law Firm could help with every aspect of this process.
Because this system is the preferred method for securing a green card, there are limits on who qualifies. For starters, only U.S. citizens have the right to sponsor someone through the immediate relative system. While lawful permanent residents may act as a sponsor, they are limited to the family preference system.
Not all family members of citizens are eligible. In fact, this process is limited to parents, spouses, and certain children. A citizen can only sponsor their children if the children are unmarried and under the age of 21. Otherwise, they must pursue the family preference system.
It is not always clear which system a loved one might qualify for. The good news is that a skilled attorney in Charlotte can answer questions regarding immediate relative visa eligibility.
The application process for a Charlotte immediate relative visa starts with a document known as Form I-130, which must include documentation from the sponsor regarding their familiar relationship. Accuracy is crucial, given that federal authorities will reject an application for incomplete or inaccurate details.
There are other reasons why the government might reject an application. If there are not sufficient grounds to establish a person is the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, the process will not move forward. Prior immigration law violations or criminal convictions can also cause problems.
Once the documentation has been reviewed, the final step is an interview. This interview will take place in the U.S. if the applicant is already in the country. Otherwise, it will happen at the consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country.
This approach is only available for someone who is currently married to a U.S. citizen. It is not an option for anyone who is engaged. However, there are other programs available that could allow a citizen to bring their fiancé to this country prior to the wedding.
The federal government offers K1 visas designed to allow a couple to get married in the United States and then remain in the country after. These visas are only good for 90 days, meaning the spouse will need to adjust their status using an immediate relative visa to stay in Charlotte.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services are tasked with investigating these unions to ensure they are valid. Two people who wed purely for immigration purposes do not qualify for a visa.
While immediate relative visas in Charlotte provide a path to permanent residency and even citizenship, not everyone will qualify. Getting the most out of this process can be difficult without the support of legal counsel by your side.
Do not put your application at risk by completing it yourself. Reach out to an attorney right away for a private consultation.
Charlotte Family & Divorce Lawyers and Immigration Attorneys