There are many different options when it comes to foreign residents living and working in the United States. One of the most common paths involves a citizen or permanent resident sponsoring their loved ones for visas. This is known as family-based immigration.
While this method might be popular, it is never guaranteed to be successful. There are pitfalls throughout the application process that a seasoned immigration attorney could help you avoid. There are countless ways a Concord family immigration lawyer could assist you with your effort to make a life in this country. Call our firm today to begin reviewing your situation with a trusted advocate.
Not everyone going through the immigration process will have the same experience. Some non-residents will qualify as immediate relatives, while others are restricted to the family preference system. A family immigration attorney in Concord could assist with either path.
There are benefits that come with qualifying for this option. The major reason why this path is best is due to the lack of limits on the number of visas approved each year. That means it could be possible to secure a green card in a matter of months instead of years.
As the name suggests, only certain immediate family members of U.S. citizens qualify. This includes spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 years of age. A citizen can sponsor other family members—including adult children or siblings—but they must go through the family preference system.
Family members who do not qualify as immediate relatives are limited to the preference system. This is the less optimal of the two, as there is a hard limit on the number of visas that can be issued each year.
This option is available not only to citizens but lawful permanent residents as well. While it can take years, this option represents the best option to reunify may families in the United States.
The reality is that the process of obtaining a visa takes time. For some people, this might be a matter of months. For others, it can take years. A family immigration attorney in Concord could not only assist with the application process but also help an applicant understand how long it might take and avoid unnecessary delays.
Even under the best circumstances, it can take time to get an answer from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Federal agents require time to evaluate applications and the supporting documents that are included. Even without avoidable delays, these steps can take close to a year for those who qualify as immediate relatives.
The wait is even longer when going through the family preference system. It often takes years for an immigrant to have their number called. Additionally, sometimes the government loses track of files or otherwise makes mistakes. These errors can drag out a case unnecessarily for months. Having an attorney to follow up on these issues is invaluable.
If you hope to be sponsored by a loved one for entry into the U.S., it could be in your best interest to discuss your options with an attorney. This path can be long and challenging, especially if you attempt it on your own. Contact a Concord family immigration lawyer for the help you deserve.
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