When you live in Chicago, you may want to share your education and financial opportunities with your family members. If your relatives are not U.S. citizens, it could be more difficult to share your life with them than if they lived here in the States. If your family abroad is direct relatives, it may be easy to help them immigrate. If not, there are other ways to give them a hand.
A Chicago visa lawyer, like those at Godoy Law Office, has been through the process before, and we can explain the many types of family preference visas available for family members who are not “immediate family members.” Our experienced immigration attorneys will provide the legal assistance you need to help your family members join you in Chicago.
Visas for immediate family members, such as spouses and minor children, are unlimited, but many relatives don’t meet this category. If you have other relatives who want to apply for U.S. residency, they could meet these other categories.
Family-sponsored preference visas are capped at a certain number per year, so even if an application is approved, the individual may not be able to enter the U.S. until a visa is available. However, since the process takes time, it is worth discussing the options with a Chicago visa attorney to begin the petition process.
All visa cases begin with an application. In this case, a qualifying family member must file a petition to establish the applicant’s identity and relationship to the U.S. citizen. Working with a seasoned visa lawyer in Chicago can help ensure the petition is properly prepared and submitted, avoiding unnecessary delays or denials. Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves the application, the National Visa Center (NVC) sends the application to the foreign applicant’s home country. The consulate there interviews the individual, and they must wait for a permit.
There are four family preference categories. U.S. citizens can sponsor their siblings and married offspring. Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can sponsor their spouses and children. LPRs have subcategories for adult and minor children.
Each family member you wish to sponsor generally requires a separate petition and supporting documentation. As the sponsor, you must also submit an Affidavit of Support to demonstrate that you have sufficient income or assets to financially support the relative. Depending on the family member’s situation—whether they are inside or outside the U.S.—they may either apply for a green card through adjustment of status if already in the country, or through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
This process becomes more complicated when individuals qualify for higher categories based on their status. For example, F1 is the highest preference category for unmarried children of citizens. F3 is a lower category for married children. However, if an F1 individual had a partner and wanted to immigrate with them, they could marry outside the country. Both would become F3 and could apply together.
Immigration cases are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Our Chicago visa attorneys can explain these details for you, so you and your family members can decide what steps to take that will work out best for you and your family.
Godoy Law Office has extensive experience in assisting our clients with the changing visa requirements and application procedures. We will provide the legal support you need as you file the petitions and wait for the approvals. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
