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Relative Immigrant Visa
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Learn how a relative immigration visa attorney can help you bring your family members to the United States or sponsor those already in the country.
The path to bringing your family members and loved ones to the United States may seem uncertain. However, with proper legal assistance from a relative immigrant visa lawyer, you may obtain a green card for your family member through family-based petitions.
Family-based petitions allow a lawful permanent resident of the US to sponsor a family member to immigrate to the US and become a permanent resident. However, even though you may be eligible to sponsor a family member to the US, going through the complex US immigration process can be a daunting task.
You’ll need to provide evidence that you’re related to the individual you wish to sponsor, fill immigration forms and deal with immigration officials from time to time. But, working with a family-based immigration lawyer from the Law Office of Serah Waweru makes the task much easier.
Serah Waweru and her team have helped many immigrants like you obtain green cards for their family members, and they can help you too.
Before filing a petition for your family member, you need to ensure that you meet the requirements to sponsor your loved one to obtain an immigrant visa.
Below are the requirements you need to meet:
If you meet all the above requirements, you can go ahead and petition your relative to immigrate to the United States.
But if you’re not sure where to start, contact The Law Office of Serah Waweru.
Family-based immigrants can be classified into two categories namely:
If you’re a US citizen, you can petition for a family member under the immediate relative category. Family members qualifying as immediate relatives include:
If the relationship between you and the family member you’re petitioning for is considered a limited family-based green card, there are preference categories.
Below are the limited family-based preference categories:
A US citizen petitioning for unmarried sons and daughters who are 21 years and above.
A lawful permanent resident sponsoring their spouse and unmarried children who are below 21 years old.
A lawful permanent resident sponsoring their unmarried children who are 21 years and above.
A US citizen petitioning for their married sons and daughters.
A US citizen who is at least 21 years of age petitioning for their brothers and sisters.
If you’re unsure which preference level you fall under, consult the best immigration lawyer for green card applications. That’s where the Law Office of Serah Waweru comes in handy to provide you with much-needed help applying for a relative immigrant visa.
There are different types of family-based immigrant visas for family members wishing to join you in the US. The kind of immigrant visa a family member qualifies for depends on your relationship with them. For instance, if you’re petitioning for your spouse, child, parent, or sibling, they are eligible for a Green Card.
The following forms must be filled out to petition for permanent residence:
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
A US citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to file Form I-130 with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish their relationship with the alien relative they’re petitioning for.
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
This form is filled out by individuals who wish to adjust their status to permanent resident or apply for a Green Card.
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
If you’re a US Citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioning for a relative, you’ll need to file Form I-864 to accept financial responsibility for the alien relative.
Other additional submissions you need to attach with the petition include:
If applicable, the following forms may also be needed:
Other additional documentation may be required depending on your nonimmigrant status.
The immigration process can be complex, and that’s why you need a family immigration lawyer to guide you through every step of the process. A qualified family immigration attorney like Serah Waweru can help you organize all your paperwork and documentation then file it for you at a reasonable fee.
Some immigration attorneys charge a flat fee for their services. However, the fees vary depending on the specific service offered. For this reason, it’s best to speak with your immigration attorney about the fees during the initial consultation.
For example, you can contact The Law Office of Serah Waweru to find out more about the specific costs of petitioning for a relative immigrant visa.
Each step of the immigration process can take weeks or even months. However, immediate relative green card applicants enjoy a higher preference than other family-based green card applicants; hence, their applications take a shorter time to process.
If the applicant is in the US, the processing time is approximately six to 12 months. On the other hand, if the applicant is outside the US, the processing time will depend on the caseload at the consulate in their country of residence.
Please note that the process times are subject to change without prior notice.
It costs $1760 to file for an applicant residing in the US or $1200 for an applicant living outside the US.
Yes, family members can sponsor a relative for immigration through filing for a family-based petition.
Family-based immigration processing times depend on several factors, such as government backlogs. For this reason, it can take between two to five years or longer in some cases.
Lack of basic eligibility makes it hard for some individuals to be considered for a Green Card. For this reason, ensure you meet all requirements before applying for a green card. If you’re not sure whether you qualify for a Green Card, talk to The Law Office of Serah Waweru to review your status and options.
It’s always advisable to talk to your lawyer during consultation about the fees they charge because the cost structure varies from one lawyer to another. At the Law Office of Serah Waweru, we don’t charge any hidden fees. Instead, we’ll be straightforward with you from the beginning to the end, ensuring you get the most value for your money and time.
The relative sponsoring needs to have an annual income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level to petition for an alien relative. An experienced immigration attorney like Serah Waweru can help determine whether you meet this requirement.
Yes. If you’re a US citizen aged 21 years and above, you can fill out Form I-130 to bring your immediate family members to the US for permanent residence.
While there are many family immigration lawyers around, you need someone with a solid reputation and a genuine passion for helping immigrants with their immigration cases. As an immigrant herself, Serah Waweru is the immigration attorney you need to help you with your relative immigration visa petition. And the best part of it is, The Law Office of Serah Waweru serves immigrants all over the United States!
The Law Office of Serah Waweru can help you with your relative immigrant visa petition, saving you from the complex legal paperwork involved while minimizing the chances of rejection. Call us today or send us a message online to schedule a consultation with Serah Waweru and her team!
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©2022, Law Office of Serah Waweru, All Rights Reserved.
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