Atlanta Family Immigration Visa Process

The Atlanta family immigration visa process is designed to reunite families in the United States. However, sponsoring a family member can be an intimidating and challenging process. A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder) must file specific forms, provide legal documents, and meet critical deadlines to successfully file a petition. Knowing what to expect throughout the process can help you prepare for your responsibilities. Working with an immigration lawyer simplifies the process even further and helps you avoid mistakes. The skilled family immigration attorneys at Solano Immigration Law Firm can answer your questions and work tirelessly on your behalf to reunite your family in the United States.

Determining Eligibility

Following the Atlanta family immigration visa process allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor eligible relatives for lawful residency. Eligibility depends on the petitioner’s immigration status. U.S. citizens may petition for:

• Spouses
• Siblings
• Fiancé(e)s
• Unmarried children under 21
• Parents (if the citizen is over 21)
• Unmarried or married adult children

Lawful permanent residents may sponsor:

• Spouses
• Minor children
• Unmarried adult children

Only immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents—are exempt from annual visa caps. All other relatives fall within the family preference system, which is subject to numerical limits and processing delays. Determining a relative’s category is critical to navigating the Atlanta family immigration visa process effectively.

Choosing the Correct Form

In most cases, an Atlanta sponsor will file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to apply for a family visa. However, asylees and refugees must follow a different visa application process that requires a Form I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. U.S. citizens applying for citizenship for their fiancé (e) must file a Form I-129F to obtain a K-3 visa. Each form comes with detailed instructions and specific requirements.

Providing Accurate Documentation

Each Atlanta family immigration visa application includes detailed instructions and requires specific documents to verify the sponsor’s legal residency and relationship to eligible family members. Carefully reviewing the instructions and submitting complete, accurate documentation is essential. Required documents may include:

• Evidence of the petitioner’s citizenship or permanent status
• Evidence of the petitioner’s relationship with the visa applicant
• Evidence of marriage in the petition for a spouse
• Separate applications must be filed for each individual, and each application must include a passport-style photo

While documentation requirements are similar for each petition, following the exact requirements with each form is essential to avoid processing delays.

Submitting the Application

After completing the application and gathering all relevant documents, the petitioner must file the application with USCIS. Accuracy is crucial, and petitioners (and their attorneys) should review the form and required documents for accuracy before completing the electronic filing process. Each application filed requires a fee, and failure to include the fee will delay the visa application process in Atlanta.

After Petition Approval

Once USCIS approves the petition, it forwards the case to the National Visa Center for visa number allocation. When a visa number becomes available, the foreign relative must complete application forms, submit supporting documents, and undergo a medical examination. After fulfilling these requirements, the applicant attends an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Each applicant must bring the required documents to the interview; without them, the consular officer cannot complete visa processing.

Contact a Skilled Atlanta Immigration Attorney for Assistance With the Family Visa Process

The Atlanta family immigration visa process is complex and requires careful attention to detail. Applicants must complete all forms accurately and submit the required documents and fees with the petition. Frequent changes in immigration law add further complications. At Solano Immigration Law Firm, we help residents navigate the family visa process with clarity and precision. Our immigration attorneys guide clients in selecting the correct forms and preparing complete applications to avoid unnecessary delays. Contact us today to learn how we assist families in reuniting lawfully in the United States.