Immediate Relative Visas in Huntsville
If you are a United States citizen, your next of kin has the opportunity to pursue permanent resident status by obtaining an immediate relative visa. However, sponsoring your family member’s immigration is a complex process that may be difficult to complete without the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney. Fortunately, a seasoned Huntsville lawyer could examine your situation and help you complete your application for an immediate relative visa accurately and efficiently.
Who is Considered an Immediate Relative?
The term immediate relative refers to spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of United States citizens. Anyone that falls within this category has the opportunity to seek permanent resident status or an immigrant visa through their relative who is a citizen, and they are eligible to undergo the fastest process available to become a permanent resident.
Application Requirements
In order for an immediate relative to apply for permanent resident status in Huntsville, they must prove that they are related to a current U.S. citizen. The citizen will be tasked with filing Form I-130, which is a petition for their alien relative, with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The purpose of that application is to demonstrate the relationship between the two parties, and the citizen should include the necessary evidence to prove the relation within the application.
After the I-130 is approved, the next step depends on the location of the immediate relative. If the immediate relative is abroad, they will need to go through the consular process and attend an immigrant visa interview at the embassy or consulate in their home country. If the immediate relative is located in the United States, they must undergo the adjustment of status process and attend an interview at their local USCIS office. Once the consular process or adjustment of status is completed, the relative can become a permanent resident.
Possible Challenges
There are a variety of reasons why someone would not be issued an immediate relative visa or approved for their green card through adjustment of status. The primary reason would be the lack of an established relationship. As that is the very first step, it is the most important and is often the key to unlocking the path to permanent resident status.
There are also grounds of inadmissibility under the immigration laws that could prevent the government from allowing a person to enter the United States or to receive their immigrant visa or green card. Some of the most common grounds of inadmissibility include:
- Criminal grounds, such as if the applicant has been arrested and convicted of certain crimes
- Fraud grounds, such as if the applicant has committed any type of fraud or material misrepresentation in the past to obtain an immigration benefit
- If the applicant cannot show that their petitioner sponsor earns enough income to financially support them once they come to the United States
- Health grounds through the mandated medical exam that a person must get in order to receive their green card.
Some of those grounds of inadmissibility can be addressed by a Huntsville lawyer, and there are different waivers available to immediate relatives to ask forgiveness of these grounds.
Reach Out to a Huntsville Attorney for Help with Your Immediate Relative Visa
If you are attempting to join your relatives in the United States, or you want to sponsor your family member to help them gain permanent resident status, you may need the help of a Huntsville attorney to acquire an immediate relative visa. An experienced legal professional could give you valuable peace of mind and ensure that your case is approved quickly and is not at risk of being denied. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule a consultation and learn more.
