Family Based Immigration Petitions
Assistance in petitioning for family members to immigrate to the U.S. This includes filing petitions for spouses, children, parents, and siblings to obtain immigrant visas or green cards.
Navigating Family Visas:
A Comprehensive Guide
Securing the right family visa is crucial for uniting with loved ones in the U.S., but the path to selecting and applying for the appropriate visa can be complex. At Fisher Law Firm, P.C., we’re committed to simplifying this journey, offering expert guidance through every step of the process. Here's a detailed look at the various family visa categories:
K-1 Fiancée Visa
Designed for those engaged to U.S. citizens, the K-1 visa facilitates entry into the U.S. to marry your fiancé(e) within 90 days of arrival. Following the marriage, you must apply for a green card to obtain permanent resident status.
K-3 Spouse Visa
The K-3 visa is ideal for non-citizens married to U.S. citizens, allowing you to join your spouse in the U.S. while you await the approval of your I-130 Immigrant Petition, serving as a bridge to permanent residency.
Immediate Relative Visa
This visa category is unrestricted by caps and is available to the spouse, unmarried child, or parent of an American citizen, offering a straightforward path to family reunification in the U.S.
Family Preference Visa
A more limited option, the Family Preference Visa caters to relatives of green card holders and certain relatives of U.S. citizens, including married children and siblings. Availability and wait times vary significantly based on your relationship and preference category.
Embarking on the Visa Application Journey
Choosing the correct visa requires careful consideration, often necessitating consultation with an experienced immigration attorney. Once the right visa is selected, collaboration with your U.S. relative is essential, as they must initiate the petition process on your behalf.
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For K-1 visa seekers, your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) will need to file Form I-129F. Conversely, all other family visa applications begin with Form I-130. Alongside these forms, thorough documentation is crucial to substantiate your application, including supporting documents that demonstrate your relationship and eligibility.
The Critical Interview Stage
Your visa interview is a pivotal moment in the application process, necessitating various documents such as a valid passport, Non-immigrant Visa Application confirmation, and an Affidavit of Support from your U.S. relative. The interview fee must be settled in advance, and additional documentation—ranging from civil documents to medical exam results—may be requested to validate your application.
Understanding Visa Extensions and Adjustments
While many family visas lead directly to permanent residency, some, like the K-3 and K-4 visas, are temporary and may require extensions via Form I-539 if your I-130 petition is pending. Notably, K-1 visas, necessitating a subsequent adjustment of status post-marriage, are not extendable.
Fisher Law Firm, P.C.: Your Ally in Family Visa Applications
The process of securing a family visa is marked by intricacies and legal nuances. Fisher Law Firm, P.C. is here to illuminate your path to success, ensuring you understand your options and the steps needed to achieve your familial and immigration goals. For personalized assistance and expert guidance, reach out to Fisher Law Firm, P.C. at (415) 463-7938 or via email at admin@fisherlf.com. Let us help you reunite with your family and navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law together.
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Sacramento's Authority in
Immigration Legal Services.