Depending on the circumstances, relatives of U.S. citizens may be eligible to obtain a family-based visa, allowing them to live and work in the country as lawful permanent residents (LPRs). If you need help determining whether you qualify for family-based immigration, you may benefit from working with a Lake County family immigration lawyer here at Godoy Law Office.
In many family immigration cases in Lake County, IL, immigrants may want to seek an immediate relative visa. These visas do not have a limit, and applicants for this visa type will not need to wait for a visa number to be assigned.
The individuals who qualify for these family-based visas include spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children of U.S. citizens who are under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old.
If individuals are not immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, they may apply for preference relative status instead. This status applies to the following key categories:
For help determining what category they qualify for, immigrants could reach out to an experienced Lake County family immigration attorney, whether they are immediate relatives or fit under a preference relative category.
There are several ways a family immigration attorney in Lake County could ease the process of applying for a family-based visa.
An attorney with experience handling these kinds of cases could determine the best path to take based on your qualifications, such as figuring out whether you qualify for a visa through an immediate relative or another family preference relative.
A good attorney would also be able to navigate potentially complex cases, such as those involving issues like visa overstays and criminal records.
Another way an attorney could assist is by preparing the paperwork required to apply for a family visa. For instance, your lawyer could help complete Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, making sure all information is accurate and consistent across all documentation.
Additionally, a lawyer could act as an intermediary and communicate on your behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other parties involved. In the process, the attorney could respond to inquiries like a Request for Evidence (RFE) to keep your case moving.
The attorneys here at Godoy Law Office have plenty of experience handling cases involving family-based visas and other immigration matters.
Family immigration can be a challenging avenue for immigrants to pursue, whether as individuals seeking to enter the U.S. legally or as those who wish to sponsor a relative through a petition. In any case, it is helpful to work with a Lake County family immigration lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases.
For assistance with the process and to determine your eligibility for a family immigration visa, please contact us at Godoy Law Office to schedule a consultation.
