Atlanta Family Visa Application Process

The United States provides many ways for foreign residents to come to this country, earn a living, and make it their home. For many people, the immigration process starts with a family-based visa application. Having a close relative who can sponsor you is one of the most common ways to secure a visa.

Anyone considering this path could benefit from understanding the Atlanta family visa application process. There are different programs available depending on your relationship with the family member that is sponsoring you. A skilled family visa attorney could help guide you every step of the way.

How to Apply for a Family Visa

No two visa applications are the same, but most people typically follow the same process when they are sponsored by a family member. First, the family member who is sponsoring the applicant must submit something called a Petition for Alien Relatives. This document gets things started, but it is not the only form needed. Applicants must also complete their own paperwork that provides the federal government with important biographical details.

Medical examinations are also a required part of the family visa application process in Atlanta. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that the applicant will not risk the spread of a harmful disease. This step involves physicians going over medical and vaccination records, and a failed physical could mean the end of the line for a visa applicant.

The last stage of a family visa application before approval is the interview. The location of the interview depends on where the applicant is located. When the person applying for a family visa is already in the United States, they can rely on an option known as adjustment of status to remain in the country throughout their application. For anyone not already located in the United States, the only option is the consular process. As the name suggests, this option plays out at the U.S. consulate or embassy in the country where the applicant already resides.

What to Expect From the Application Process

Applying for a family visa involves interacting with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This federal agency receives and examines all applications to verify the accuracy of the information provided. Families residing in Atlanta can benefit from the guidance of an attorney who can help them communicate with the federal government throughout the visa application process.

Anyone pursuing a family visa should expect each step to take time. It is not uncommon for a person to wait months or even years before their application is accepted. The type of visa will also determine how long this process can take. When dealing with unreasonably long delays, an attorney might be able to help get things moving forward.

There are other challenges that may arise outside of delays and lengthy applications. Having the support of experienced legal counsel could make all the difference for anyone on this path.

Call an Attorney in Atlanta About the Family Visa Application Process

Applying for a visa and waiting for an answer can be a lengthy, stressful process. Thankfully, many people who are being sponsored by an immediate family member will ultimately secure the visa they have been waiting for.

No attorney can guarantee a successful outcome in the Atlanta family visa application process. That said, relying on an attorney who has a deep understanding of immigration law could put you in the best position possible. Call Solano Law Firm right away to get started.