Atlanta Family Visa Lawyer

Every family visa application involves a sense of urgency. It is difficult to live apart from your loved ones, and some visa applicants have not seen their immediate relatives for years. Securing a visa and immigrating to the United States could provide an opportunity for a family to reunite.

This process can be tricky, especially without professional help. If you are considering a family-based visa, you could benefit from a discussion with a seasoned family immigration attorney. An Atlanta family visa lawyer could assist you and your loved ones with navigating that process.

Categories of Family Visas

There are different options when it comes to family-based immigration. Some people qualify for preferential treatment in the immigration process because of their sponsor’s status and the relationship they have with them. Understanding these different systems is important, as it can have a major impact on how long it takes for an immigration case to conclude.

When a person applies for a family-based visa, they must either seek immediate relative visas or family preference visas. Immediate relative visas do not have annual limits, making them the preferred option. A family visa lawyer in Atlanta could explain the difference between the two.

Immediate Relative Visas

As the name suggests, this type of visa is reserved for the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. There are no annual caps on the number of people that qualify for these visas, meaning the process of acquiring one typically takes much less time.

Depending on the circumstances, immediate relatives refer to a sponsor’s spouse, parents, or children. However, there are limitations when it comes to sponsoring a child. Children must be unmarried and under the age of 21 to qualify.

Family Preference Visas

Family members that do not qualify as immediate relatives could still pursue a family preference visa. This covers family members of citizens and lawful permanent residents alike. The reality of this visa program is that it takes much longer compared to immediate relative visas, in part because the federal government imposes limits on the number of family preference visas issued each year.

How Can a Family Visa Lawyer Help?

Having the support of a family visa attorney in Atlanta can benefit anyone seeking to immigrate to this country. Before a petition is ever filed, the first step in the process is applying for the appropriate type of visa, and an attorney could help with evaluating the options a family has available.

An attorney could also assist with preparing and filing the visa application. This includes compiling and providing copies of the supporting documentation USCIS requires. This can help avoid any errors that might result in the denial of the application.

Another situation where an attorney could be invaluable is when the case becomes delayed. Some delays cannot be avoided, but others are unreasonable. When an applicant is facing an unreasonable immigration delay, an attorney could make contact with USCIS to try and resolve the issue.

Call an Atlanta Family Visa Attorney as Soon as Possible

Family visas are one of the best ways to reunite with your loved ones in the United States. However, securing these visas can be a complex process filled with challenges. An attorney could help make sure your rights are protected during the application process. Call an Atlanta family visa lawyer today.