Raleigh, NC Immigrant Visa Attorneys

Lawyers in Wake County Helping With Visa Petitions and Interviews

At the Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, our skilled immigration lawyers are adept at handling a wide range of matters related to obtaining immigrant visas for foreign nationals who wish to live in the United States permanently. We understand that the process of obtaining a visa can be difficult and time-consuming, and a single mistake along the way could be devastating to the applicant's case. With this in mind, we provide trusted guidance and skilled representation to both applicants and sponsors throughout the visa process.

Non-immigrant and Immigrant Visas

Foreign nationals who wish to come to the United States for an extended period of time must obtain a visa. Temporary, or non-immigrant visas, are available to those coming to the U.S. for reasons such as tourism, education, or work-related purposes. For those who want to remain in the United States permanently, an immigrant visa is required. Immigrant visas are available for employment-based reasons, but the majority of immigrant visas are granted to immediate relatives and other family members of U.S. citizens and current lawful permanent residents.

The Immigrant Visa Process

Most immigrant visa petitions are filed in the United States by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who reside here. If you are looking to sponsor a family member's petition for an immigrant visa, you will need to follow these steps:

• Be sure that your family member qualifies for a visa.
• Gather the information and documents required by Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
• Complete the I-130 package and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Upon receipt of the official notice that USCIS has approved the petition, the State Department's National Visa Center (NVC) will open a case. If a visa of the requested type is available, an immigrant visa number will be assigned.
• Complete NVC processing and pay all of the required fees. As part of the NVC processing, you must file an affidavit of support showing that your family member will not need government assistance upon arrival.
• Have your family member complete an immigrant visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate indicated by the NVC.
• Following the interview, the application for an immigrant visa may be approved. The immigrant visa fee must then be paid.
• The visa holder may then travel to the United States and become a lawful permanent resident.

The process of obtaining a visa is likely to take between 8 and 16 months, assuming that there is a visa of the appropriate type available. If there is not an appropriate visa available, or if any of the required steps are not completed, the process can take much longer.

How Can an Attorney Help?

At Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the challenges that often arise when seeking an immigrant visa. We realize that the requirements set by the State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security, and USCIS are strict and, in most cases, non-negotiable. This is where the guidance of a qualified immigration attorney becomes invaluable.

When you choose our firm to help with your loved one's immigrant visa application, we will work closely with you at every stage of the process. We will ensure that you are applying for the correct visa and that you have included all of the necessary information to avoid unnecessary delays. Our attorneys can also help you comply with any requests for evidence to facilitate the efficient processing of your visa request.

Our Team Is Here to Guide You

If you have additional questions about the visa process, contact us to get the answers. Call 1-844-YO-PELEO or 919-989-3000 for your free consultation with an experienced immigration attorney today. Our firm serves clients in Raleigh, Smithfield, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Johnston County, Wake County, and the surrounding areas. Hablamos Espanol.