Chamblee Family Immigration Lawyer

Family immigration laws allow non-citizens to move to the United States and become permanent residents. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can initiate the process by petitioning the federal government with an application and necessary paperwork.

While you may be eligible for approval, the process is complex and time-consuming. Working with an experienced Chamblee family immigration lawyer could significantly reduce your stress and help avoid unnecessary delays. Reach out to one of our dedicated immigration attorneys today to get started.

Family-Based Immigration

Lawful permanent residents have the legal right to live and work at the location they choose throughout the U.S. or travel outside the country if they wish. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that over one million people obtain their permanent resident cards yearly.

Application and Process

U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents holding green cards may sponsor families to enter the country. They initiate the procedure by submitting a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 and the necessary paperwork.

After the agency reviews the petition and determines they have what they need, a person must undergo a physical exam with a healthcare professional to obtain an official report of medical examinations, provide verification they have received the necessary vaccinations, and attend an interview scheduled by the National Visa Center to complete the process. An attorney in Chamblee attorney can help with each step, collect documents, and prepare for the family immigration interview.

Immediate Relatives Versus Family Preference

There are two categories relatives fall within when applying for family-based immigration: immediate relatives and family preference. When U.S. citizens and green card holders petition for approval for their family to enter the country permanently, the group they fall within will establish their priority and affect the time frame significantly.

The first category is immediate family, and the federal government grants unlimited green cards to those who qualify. According to the information and guidance of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, those qualifying for green cards as immediate relatives include:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens
• The parents of U.S. citizens over 21
• Unmarried children of U.S. citizens under 21

Immediate relatives have priority, and the agency approves applications in approximately 14 months. Once approved, the individual will receive an Interview Appointment Letter and must complete the medical examination before the interview. Many circumstances could extend the process, primarily when the applicant must address issues to proceed.

Family Preference

The second group is called family preference, and the federal government limits the number of visas they approve for these individuals yearly. There are four categories within family preference visas, including F1, F2, F3, F4, with F1 relatives having priority. The family members eligible for family preference include:

• F1 – unmarried children of U.S. citizens who are over 21
• F2A – unmarried children under 21 and spouses of permanent residents
• F2B – unmarried children of permanent residents older than 21
• F3 – married children of U.S. citizens of any age
• F4 – siblings of the U.S. Citizens

A lawyer in Chamblee could help determine which group of relatives someone falls within and navigate the immigration application and approval process.

Call a Practiced Family Immigration Attorney in Chamblee

Hiring an experienced Chamblee family immigration lawyer is not a requirement. However, we could offer many advantages, including avoiding unnecessary delays and taking some stress and time-consuming work off your shoulders.

The process is complex, and there are common challenges to overcome, and we could help you each step of the way. Call today to schedule a consultation if you need help with the family-based immigration process.