Family Immigration Lawyer in Fresno

Family-based immigration to the United States may be available to foreign nationals who are the siblings or children of one or more U.S. citizens, or the spouse of a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States and are spocnsored by these relatives. Other requirements include your sponsor’s ability to support you financially and to prove that you are related.

Lawyer for Family Immigration Law

The sponsor in the United States must submit the necessary forms and documentation to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office, which will then either approve or deny the visa petition. If the petition is approved, it will be sent to the Department of State’s National Visa Center.

The Center will notify you when an immigrant visa number is available, at which time you may complete the processing of your visa application. The process of applying for and receiving an immigration visa to the United States through family-based immigration can be a long and complicated process.

An experienced immigration lawyer from Bains Law Offices can guide you through the process and help you to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Call our Fresno office today at 559-890-1007 to get started.

How are Immigrant Visa Numbers Allotted for Family-Based Immigration?

There is a list of preference categories based on the status of the sponsor that is used in the allotment of immigrant visas to the United States. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, which are defined as the sponsor’s parents, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 years of age, do not have to wait but are granted visa numbers as soon as the application is approved by USCIS.

After that, the first preference is given to over-21, unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. The second preference is given to spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents and their unmarried sons and daughters of any age, and the third preference goes to married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. Finally, the fourth preference goes to the brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.

What Do I Do Once an Immigrant Visa Number Becomes Available to Me?

Once you are notified that an immigrant visa number is available to you, you can apply to have that number assigned to you. For those already living in the United States, this changes your immigration status to Lawful Permanent Resident.

If you are living outside the U.S. when an immigrant visa number becomes available, you must complete the processing of your visa at the U.S. Consulate in the country in which you are living. This stage is known as consular processing, which involves submitting additional documentation, attending a visa interview, and undergoing medical examinations as required by U.S. immigration authorities.

It is important to carefully follow all instructions provided by the consulate or embassy to ensure a smooth and timely visa issuance. Any discrepancies or missing documents could delay the process or result in denial. Once the visa is granted, you can travel to the United States and, upon entry, receive your Lawful Permanent Resident status, commonly known as a green card.

Throughout this process, maintaining communication with your immigration attorney or legal representative can be invaluable. They can help you prepare for interviews, gather necessary evidence, and navigate any unforeseen challenges that may arise during consular processing or adjustment of status within the U.S.

Successfully obtaining an immigrant visa number and completing the subsequent steps is a critical milestone in the family immigration process, bringing you closer to uniting with your family members in the United States.

What if Circumstances Change After I Apply but Before an Immigrant Visa Number Becomes Available?

If there is any change in status that would affect your application for an immigrant visa number under the rules of family-based immigration, you should contact the National Visa Center. Changes that would require you to notify the Center include such things as an address change, a change in the personal status of you or your sponsor such as a divorce, or the attainment of adulthood (21 years of age), marriage, death, or any other change that could affect your eligibility for a visa.

Following all of the required steps and completing all required paperwork is crucial to your chances of success in gaining Lawful Permanent Resident status in the United States through family-based immigration.

The experience and knowledge of a skilled immigration lawyer can help to ensure that your case has the best outcome for you. Call Bains Law Offices today at 559-890-1007

It is important to understand that any changes in your circumstances or those of your sponsor can impact the processing timeline and eligibility criteria.

For instance, if a sponsor experiences a significant change in financial status, it might affect their ability to fulfill the affidavit of support requirement, which is essential for many family-based immigration cases. Similarly, changes in marital status, such as divorce or remarriage, can alter the category under which you are applying or even your eligibility altogether.

Moreover, keeping your contact information up to date with the National Visa Center and USCIS ensures you receive all notifications promptly, including interview appointments, requests for additional evidence, or other critical updates. Failure to respond timely to such communications can result in delays or denial of your petition.

Consulting with a family based immigration lawyer throughout this process provides you with guidance tailored to your unique situation. They can help you understand the implications of any changes, assist in filing necessary updates or motions, and represent your interests effectively. This proactive approach can prevent complications and help you navigate the complex family immigration process more smoothly.

Remember, family reunification is the ultimate goal of the family-based immigration process, and staying vigilant about your case status and requirements is key to achieving a successful outcome.

Is Hiring a Family Based Immigration Lawyer Worth It?

Immigration lawyers in Fresno have knowledge and experience that the rest of us do not have. The skill of an accomplished family immigration attorney could possibly be the deciding factor in the success or failure of your family-based immigration case.

Hiring an experienced family immigration attorney can help to alleviate the stress and headaches of trying to decipher complex immigration law, and can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a skilled professional on your side for your immigration law cases.