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One of the most common ways for foreign residents to become lawful permanent residents in the United States is by relying on the sponsorship of a close family member. The specific nature of these relationships will determine how long this process takes.

When you are considering immigrating to this country, now is the time to seek guidance from a skilled immigration attorney. While there is the potential for delays and mistakes in this process, an Elgin family immigration lawyer could give you the best chance of success.

Types of Family Immigration

Under federal law, there are two unique systems for family-based immigration. The steps involved are different, with one of these options taking substantially longer than the other. An attorney in Elgin could assist an applicant with immediate relative immigration or the family preference system.

Immediate Relative Immigration

Of the two systems, immediate relative immigration is the best option for applicants. The process can take months instead of multiple years.

Only certain individuals qualify for immediate relative immigration. The applicant’s sponsor must be a U.S. citizen, and the foreign resident seeking the visa must be their spouse or child. Children only qualify if they are unmarried and younger than 21.

This system is preferred because of the lack of annual visa limits. That means there is no lengthy wait, as everyone who qualifies will have the opportunity to immigrate immediately.

Family Preference

Relatives of citizens and permanent residents who do not count as immediate relatives can still use the family preference option. This system is available to spouses of permanent residents, adult children of citizens, and other loved ones.

The downside to this option is that there are annual limits for family preference visas. No matter how many people apply for this program, only a set number of visas will be issued each year. These are awarded in the order that they are applied for, but it can take years for a person’s number to be called.

Of course, not everyone following this approach will be accepted. Any mistakes in the paperwork or violations of immigration law could result in a denied application. An attorney could help ensure compliance with the applicable rules.

How Sponsorship Works

With many types of visas, an applicant can initiate the process on their own. That is not the case with family-based immigration. With this program, a relative who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must serve as a sponsor.

First, this family member must submit something known as an “Affidavit of Support.” This document promises that the sponsor will financially support the applicant, if necessary, during their entire term as a lawful permanent resident. They must also agree to reimburse the government for any benefits paid to the applicant while in the U.S.

After being sponsored, an immigrant seeking a family visa must then provide their own documentation, which a lawyer in Elgin could assist with.

Reach Out to an Elgin Attorney Regarding Family Immigration Today

When you have a relative willing to sponsor your visa application, the dream of becoming a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. can become a reality. In fact, these programs offer a path to citizenship.

Do not put your visa at risk by moving forward on your own when an Elgin family immigration lawyer would be more than willing to help you out. Call today to schedule an initial consultation and get started on your journey to citizenship.

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