Applying for a Family Preference Visa in Alexandria
When applying for a family preference visa in Alexandria, family members and beneficiaries should be prepared to handle complex documents requiring strong attention to detail. In addition, many documents require applicants to submit various pieces of evidence proving familial relationships. If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance regarding a family preference visa, be sure to schedule a consultation with a determined immigration attorney today.
Documents Needed to be Submitted
The documents that need to be submitted include the evidence of the petitioner’s status as a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. The evidence submitted by a U.S. citizen when applying for a family preference visa in Alexandria may include a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If it is a lawful permanent resident who is the petitioner, they should include a copy of their lawful permanent residence card (Green Card). Evidence should also be submitted regarding the familial relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
Facts Needed to be Demonstrated in a Family Preference Visa Case
Each document demonstrates different facts. For spousal petition, the petitioner and beneficiary must prove that the marriage was a bona fide marriage and it was legally valid when it was entered. For example, if both spouses were previously married, it is important to make sure that both of those marriages have been terminated and that they are able to lawfully marry. Proof that it is a bona fide marriage can include birth certificates of any children, leases, pictures, joint accounts like bank accounts, joint property as well as other evidence of their relationship.
If the petitioner and the beneficiary are claiming a parent-child relationship, a variety of details may be considered. If the relationship involves a mother or child, a birth certificate may suffice as proof of the relationship. If the relationship is a father-child relationship, not only is a birth certificate required, but also the marriage certificate to the mother if the child was born during the course of a marriage.
If a child was born out of wedlock, proof that the child was legitimized by the father or that parent-child relationship was established between the father and child before the child turned 21 is needed. For step-parents, proof that marriage between the child’s parent and step-parent happened before the child turned 18 may also be required. If a person is petitioning for siblings, they must submit birth certificates showing that the petitioner and beneficiary had at least one parent in common.
Difficulty of Understanding the Application
Since the application is comprised of USCIS law, it can be difficult and confusing to understand. The updated forms issued by USCIS require a lot more information than previous versions, making it much more important to be accurate when filling completing these forms. It could also become difficult for people to provide evidence of familial relationships if the evidence required is not available to them.
Family Preference Visa Interviews
If the person is located abroad, they need to be interviewed by a consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country they are located. If there is no consulate or embassy in that country, it is done in the nearest embassy or consulate. If the beneficiary is in the U.S., however, the USCIS may request an interview. Family members would also be interviewed if they are located abroad.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
For family requiring help with applying for a family preference visa in Alexandria, the services of a trusted lawyer should be retained. An immigration attorney may be able to recommend which petitioner should file an application on behalf of the intending immigrant beneficiary to ensure that the beneficiary is able to immigrate to the United States as quickly as possible. An attorney would also be able to recommend whether multiple petitions should be filed on behalf of that beneficiary.
The attorney could also provide guidance as to whether the beneficiary should consider transferring from one preference category to another. If the intending beneficiary is abroad, an attorney could also assist with consular processing and, most importantly, avoid an unnecessary delay. If you believe you could benefit from these services, be sure to schedule a consultation today.