Montgomery County Family Immigration Lawyer
Families in MoCo may be able to assist other family members in the immigration process, which is a tremendous benefit. However, it is important to ensure that procedures are followed properly to avoid difficulties that can cause delays or the denial of a visa.
For that reason, many people elect to work with a Montgomery County family immigration lawyer. An immigration attorney could help make sure qualifications are met and demonstrated in the most efficient manner with a goal toward achieving a successful outcome as quickly as possible.
Family Members May Assist in Numerous Ways
While many people in MoCo know that a family connection can provide grounds for obtaining an immigrant visa, there are other ways family members may assist in the immigration process. Family members may assist with the petition, the application, documentation, sponsorship and other aspects of gaining an immigrant visa as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Petitioning
The first step in seeking a visa based on a family connection is for the family member who is either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Those who need assistance in filing the petition may contact a knowledgeable Montgomery County family immigration lawyer. For a paper copy of the application, people living in MoCo can visit the nearest USCIS field office in Baltimore.
Sponsorship
Those seeking to immigrate to the U.S. on the basis of family connection will need a financial sponsor, and that person is usually the family member who filed the I-130 petition on their behalf. The sponsor files an Affidavit of Support, pledging to provide financial support for the immigrant for a substantial length of time. Generally, the sponsor may be held accountable for support until either the immigrant becomes a citizen or until the immigrant has accumulated forty quarters of work, which takes approximately ten years.
Other Means of Assistance
As the potential immigrant’s connection to the U.S., a family member may assist an immigrating family member in numerous other ways. After the petitioning process is complete, the immigrant will file a visa application. The citizen or lawful permanent resident who provides the connection to enable immigration may assist with obtaining documentation to support the application or following up if documentation is misplaced. The family member may also assist in preparing for the visa interview.
Family Connections Providing Grounds for a Visa
The U.S. government prioritizes potential family immigrants based on the strength of their connection as well as the status of the person petitioning for immigration.
Those who are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens stand in the best position to immigrate because the government places no limits on the number of immigrant visas that may be issued to immediate family members each year. Immediate relatives are considered to be spouses, unmarried minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens.
Certain other family members may be eligible for immigration under a family preference visa in categories that are subject to annual quotas. First preference visas are reserved for adult unmarried children of U.S. citizens.
The second preference goes to the spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents of the U.S. The third preference is for married children of U.S. citizens and their spouses. The fourth and final preference category enables brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens to immigrate.
Let a Montgomery County Family Immigration Attorney Assist You
Family members may have every intention of assisting in the immigration process, but the laws are complex and subject to frequent revision. If the information is missing, the application for a visa can be delayed. If the information is provided incorrectly and determined to be an attempt at fraud, the application can be denied, and it can be extremely difficult to overcome the taint of fraud.
So, it is important to understand the requirements and how to fulfill them at all stages of the immigration process. A Montgomery County family immigration lawyer can assist with one part or all parts of the process. To learn more about the types of assistance available from an immigration attorney and how legal representation can benefit your situation, call now for a consultation.