One of the main questions that clients ask us about the immigration process is whether their family will be able to remain together. Although United States immigration laws can be complicated, there are provisions for keeping families together. Our West Hollywood, CA family green card lawyer can talk with you about the many ways you can apply for citizenship. Once we know more, we can provide guidance based on the most convenient path for your situation. We understand why you would want to remain with your family. Family members rely on each other through all periods of life, and voyaging to a new country can be overwhelming in itself. Knowing that you have your family to be with you and that you have legal solidification to do so, can make your future dreams even that more promising. Please contact our team at Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC to learn more.
Family-Based Petition
United States citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) can sponsor certain family members to immigrate here via a family-based petition. If you want to sponsor a family member, keep in mind that there are two different types of family based immigrant categories, family preference and immediate relatives. Immediate relatives are your spouse, a minor (under 21) who is an unmarried child of a U.S. citizen, unmarried daughter or son over 21, or a married daughter or son of any age. If you are a United States citizen and are older than 21, you can petition to have your siblings and your parents brought to the U.S. As our knowledgeable family green card attorney explains, a family preferences petition may include the following:
- First Preference (F-1): unmarried daughters and sons of U.S. citizens
- Second Preference (F-2) : unmarried sons and daughters of LPRs, spouses, and children
- Third Preference (F-3): married daughters and sons of citizens
- Fourth Preference (F-4): sisters and brothers of adult citizens
If a member of your immediate relatives (spouse, sibling, children, parents) is a United States citizen, you should already be eligible for a visa or green card. This relative must have a primary residence in the U.S. and submit a Petition for Alien Relative, otherwise referred to as Form I-130, to initiate your application for citizenship. After the Department of Homeland Security has reviewed and approved your application, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will send you a letter with a visa number and your eligibility for a green card. If you are already living here in the U.S., after you receive your visa number you can immediately apply for a green card. Those who are living outside the U.S. will get their visa by the National Visa Center and give you instructions on the next steps.
Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC
Keep in mind that visas are limited. Depending on your family relationship and who you want to bring here, different family members will have different levels of priority. However, this should not discourage you from trying. Our team at Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC wants you to be informed yet remain optimistic. There are means for getting yourself and your family here to the United States. For more information, contact our West Hollywood family green card attorney today.
Lawful Entry In The United States
Your West Hollywood, CA family green card lawyer can walk you through your next steps to secure a future in the United States. At Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC, we’ve helped thousands of our clients through the immigration process. With legal support that ranges from green cards to permanent residency, we’re ready to use our over 25 years of experience to help you. Read on to learn more about lawful entry and presence, and contact us today to get started.
Types Of Visas For Entry
There are various types of visas available depending on the purpose of your visit to the United States. For tourists and business visitors, the B-1 and B-2 visas permit entry for short visits. Those looking to work temporarily in the U.S. can explore options such as H-1B visas for specialty occupations, L-1 visas for intra-company transfers, O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities, and more.
For those seeking to study at American educational institutions, F-1 visas are the standard, allowing students to remain in the country for the duration of their academic program. Each visa category has specific requirements and conditions, which must be strictly adhered to maintain lawful status.
Permanent Residency And Adjustment Of Status
Achieving permanent residency, commonly referred to as obtaining a Green Card, is a goal for many non-citizens. This status allows individuals to legally live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. There are several paths to permanent residency, including sponsorship by a family member or employer, as a refugee or asylee, or through the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
Once in the U.S. on a temporary visa, some individuals may have the opportunity to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This process involves meeting specific eligibility requirements and often navigating complex legal procedures.
Maintaining Lawful Status
Maintaining lawful status involves adhering to the terms of the visa or residency status under which you were admitted. This includes not overstaying your visa duration, not engaging in unauthorized work, and complying with all state and federal laws. Failure to maintain lawful status can result in removal proceedings and bans from re-entering the U.S. for several years.
It is important to keep all documents up to date and to renew or adjust status well before your current permissions expire. Your West Hollywood family green card lawyer can assist you with the timely filing of all necessary paperwork, and can also represent you in dealings with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other government agencies.
Legal Challenges And Appeals
Occasionally, individuals might face challenges such as denials of visa applications, delays in processing, or removal proceedings. In such cases, legal intervention is critical. We provide representation during appeals and hearings, striving to resolve issues that may hinder our clients’ immigration processes.
Navigating Immigration Laws With Professional Help
Immigration laws and regulations can be daunting, and the stakes are high. Professional legal guidance is key in navigating this complex landscape successfully. At Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive knowledge and compassionate approach to immigration law.
If you or someone you know is seeking to understand more about lawful entry and maintaining legal status in the United States, or needs help handling an immigration matter, we’re here to help. Contact us today, and see what a West Hollywood family green card lawyer from our office can do for you.
