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Raleigh, NC Family Preference Visas Attorneys

Charlotte Family Preference System Immigration Lawyers

Immigration Lawyers in Charlotte, North Carolina Help Bring Families Together

According to the current immigration laws of the United States, a U.S citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) is allowed to sponsor his or her family members in their applications for immigrant visas. Unfortunately, the process of obtaining a family-based immigration visa can be complicated. The good news is that the team at the Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC is here to help.

The accomplished immigration lawyers at our firm have more than 35 years of experience helping clients with their most challenging cases. We understand how important your family is to you, and we will do everything we can to help you give them the opportunities that life in the United States offers.

Types of Family Immigration Visas

United States immigration law recognizes two primary types of family-based immigration visas. The first type is intended for the immediate relatives of current U.S. citizens. Immediate relatives include a U.S. citizen's spouse and minor children. If the citizen is an adult over age 21, the citizen's parents may qualify for immediate relative visas as well. The U.S. government does not place limits on the number of immediate relative visas that are available in a particular year.

The second type of family immigrant visa applies to other relatives of current U.S. citizens and green card holders. The law specifies which relatives are eligible to apply and provides a hierarchy that is to be used in processing applications from family members seeking this type of visa.

Family Preference System Lawyers in Johnson County

The U.S. Department of State places limits on the number of family immigrant visas (other than immediate relatives) that can be granted in a given fiscal year. With this in mind, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) utilizes the "family preference system" under which applications for family immigrant visas will be considered in a predetermined preference order based on the status of the sponsor and the family member's relationship to the sponsor:

  • First preference: Applications sponsored by legal U.S. citizens for their unmarried adult children over the age of 21. (F1)
  • Second preference: Applications sponsored by lawful permanent residents for their spouses and unmarried children of any age (and their children). (F2A and F2B)
  • Third preference: Applications sponsored by legal U.S. citizens for their married adult children (and their spouses and minor children). (F3)
  • Fourth preference: Applications sponsored by legal U.S. citizens for their siblings (and their spouses and minor children). (F4)

Other relatives such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins are not eligible to receive visas under the family preference system.

A Smithfield Attorney Can Help

The process for obtaining a family preference visa will vary based on a number of factors including whether the applicant family member is present in the United States at the time of the application. If the applicant is in the U.S., the application for a visa will usually be accompanied by a petition for an Adjustment of Status so that the applicant can obtain lawful permanent resident status. If the applicant is not in the U.S., the application will be handled through consular processing.

At the Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, we know that the family preference system and the associated application processes can be confusing and overwhelming. There are many requirements and missing any of them could lead to the rejection of the application. Our experienced family immigration lawyers will help you in understanding the type of visa that will best serve your situation, and we will work closely with you in bringing your family together legally in the United States.

Schedule a No-Cost Initial Consultation

If you have additional questions for our family immigration lawyers, contact us to get the answers you need. Call 1-844-YO-PELEO or 919-989-3000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at the Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC today. Our attorneys serve families in Charlotte, Raleigh, Smithfield, Johnston County, Wake County, and Mecklenburg County, as well as the surrounding communities. Hablamos Español.

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