The Basics of Family-Based Immigration
On Behalf of Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC. | Feb 13, 2023 | Immigration
Family-based immigration allows legal citizens in a country or state to bring or move their families with them. This method of immigration is the most commonly used among the others. It allows citizens to sponsor specific family members for a green card. When you are seeking an immigration visa through a family member, it is best to be well-informed about the process beforehand.
Family-based immigration is a complex process and requires a lot of patience and preservation. You must be an immediate family member of the citizen in order to be eligible for the visa. The members included in this process are the family members (minimum two), the beneficiary, and the petitioner.
The Application Process
The petitioner files an immigration request for their relative to the government. Once the request is approved, a visa number is assigned to the relative, and they are eligible to apply for a green card. The further process of giving residence is either through adjustment of status or consular processing.
Time Duration
Immigration is a very long process, and it may take a long time to receive a visa. Especially in family-based immigration cases, the wait time is significant. This is because of the high demand for family-based immigration and the limited visas available. The time duration for immediate family members is relatively shorter after they have finished the extensive visa application process.
Things to Consider
There are some rules and regulations that must be followed before initiating the immigration process.
The sponsor or the citizen living legally in the state must be at least 18 years old and financially stable. If the sponsor fails to meet these criteria, the application will be rejected. An alternative to that is a joint sponsor.
Spouses, children, and parents of the sponsor have no limit on visas. However, family members who are not immediate and come under the family preference category might face issues regarding limited visas.
A medical examination is compulsory for all applicants for immigrant visas.
It is advised to hire an experienced attorney to proceed with your immigration case.
