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When it comes to immigrating to the United States, your family ties in the country might provide you a path forward. If you are sponsored by a loved one that is either a U.S. citizen or resident, you could qualify for a visa.

A Glendale Heights family immigration lawyer could help you identify whether you are eligible for the visa process. One of our dedicated immigration attorneys could assist you with every step of the process.

Categories of Family Immigration

There are two different ways to approach family-based immigration. These paths are known as the immediate relative and family preference systems. The fastest option of the two is immediate relative immigration, which is only available to certain immediate relatives of citizens or lawful permanent residents. This includes spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21.

The preference system is the least optimal of the two, given that it takes an applicant much longer to secure a visa. There are annual limits on how many people can take this approach each year, which differs from the immediate relative system.

A family immigration attorney in Glendale Heights could carefully evaluate the question of eligibility before assisting a loved one with filing the appropriate petition. Having the support of legal counsel could make all the difference in these cases.

How Long Does the Visa Process Take?

Obtaining a family-based visa can be a long, drawn-out process. This is especially true for anyone involved in the family preference system. While these applicants might wait years for a visa to become available, there are other issues that could drag things out further.

The unfortunate reality is that delays can happen in the immigration system. Some delays are the result of the federal government dragging their feet or misplacing files, while others result from an applicant’s failures to provide all the requested documentation.

A Glendale Heights family immigration attorney might be able to help with resolving these slowdowns. In some cases, merely reaching out to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services can be enough to handle a delay. In more complex cases, an attorney might need to file a writ of mandamus that forces the government to decide in a family visa case.

Special Rules for Partners

In addition to the options described above, special rules apply to the fiancé of a United States citizen. By applying for and acquiring a K-1 visa, an applicant could qualify to come to the United States for the limited purpose of marrying. This visa lasts for 90 days, after which the applicant must apply for a different type of legal status based on being married to a citizen.

An applicant on this type of visa could qualify to bring their children to the U.S. as well. A family immigration attorney in Glendale Heights could make certain that an applicant and their relationship meet all the requirements under federal law.

Talk to a Family Immigration Attorney in Glendale Heights

When your family member has sponsored you to immigrate to the U.S., now is the time to seek the support of experienced legal counsel. An attorney could make certain you qualify for a visa while also assisting you with the application process.

Let a Glendale Heights family immigration lawyer serve as your advocate. Call today for a private consultation.

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