Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Minnesota Helping Reunite Your Family

Immigrating to another country can be an exciting time full of possibilities, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and apprehension. If you aren’t sure what to expect from the family-based immigration process, it can be overwhelming to navigate all of the steps and paperwork. That’s where an immigration lawyer comes in. Every case is different, so you should always discuss yours with an attorney, but you can find some answers to frequently asked questions below.

Family-based immigration is possible, but it can be more challenging than some people expect. Talk to an immigration attorney at TVA Law Office to find out what the process is and what you need to know before you move forward with this option. We can talk with you about your case and ensure you understand all of your options.

What Is Family-Based Immigration?

Family-based immigration provides a way for U.S. citizens to sponsor some family members so they can immigrate to the country. The sponsor shows that they already have a residence in the country and are able to financially support their beneficiary so that they can show that the immigrant has a place and means to live. Family-based immigration is primarily open to spouses, children, siblings, and parents. However, there may be some circumstances where you could sponsor more distant family members, but it’s important to check with an attorney first.

What Are the Two Types of Family-Based Immigration Visas?

The two types of visas for family-based immigration are family preference and immediate relatives. Immediate relative visas are specifically only for close family members of someone who already has U.S. citizenship status. An immediate relative visa is applicable to spouses, children, or parents of the sponsor. Family preference visas are for more distant family members. Another main difference is that while there is no limit to how many immediate relative visas can be processed in a year, there is a limit on family preference visas. If your situation qualifies for a family preference visa, it’s important to talk with an attorney to ensure that you understand how to get your application in quickly at the beginning of the fiscal year.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?

To be able to sponsor your spouse or your child, you need to be at least 18 years old and have established a home in the United States. If you are wanting to sponsor a parent or sibling, you have to be at least 21 years old. You must also provide documentation to prove the legitimacy of your relationship and that you have the financial means to support them once they are in the country. If you aren’t sure if you are eligible to sponsor a family member for immigration or if you have any questions about the process, an immigration attorney can help.

How Can an Attorney Help Facilitate Family-Based Immigration?

While it’s possible to go through the process of family-based immigration without legal counsel, it’s not advised. The immigration process is very specific, and if there is any piece of documentation missing or you forget a step, it can mean that you have to start the entire process over again. This can be especially problematic if you’re trying to sponsor a limited visa, such as the family preference visa. There’s also always a chance that your application could be denied. If that happens, it could mean that the family member could have to leave the country if they are already here through another means. An immigration attorney can help you understand why a visa application has been denied and come up with a plan to apply again.

If you have questions about how family-based immigration works, call TVA Law Office at 651-571-8547. When you call our firm, you’ll have the opportunity to schedule a consultation. During that consultation, you can explain the particulars of your case to an attorney and find out if family-based immigration may be an option for you. If so, we can start working toward reuniting your family immediately.