Family Based Immigration

Family-based immigration allows immigrants to become U.S. citizens if a family member can petition for them. The family members must hold a green card themselves, or they need to be a U.S. citizen.

Family-based immigration is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to the United States permanently as it provides a straightforward process. When compared to other types of immigration, the risk is minimal and there is a better chance of a family-based visa being granted.

How Family Immigration Works

The process of family-based immigration usually starts with a petitioner making a request to the U.S. government. This is usually done by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who files a petition for an alien relative. The family petition will be used to prove familial relationships and help the immigrant get their green card.

Going through the process of getting a green card is also called a consular process and is the most common route immigrants take. If an immigrant is already in the U.S. under a non-immigrant status, they can try to get an adjustment of status into a permanent resident.

Other Types of Family-Based Immigration

Because family-based immigration is such a large category, there are other situations that this may also apply to, such as:

• Provisional waivers: Depending on the situation, you may need a provisional waiver, which can help immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally. Provisional waivers only apply to immigrants who have family who are United States citizens or green card holders. If their unlawful presence is waived, the immigrants will be able to go ahead with seeking residency legally.
• Traditional waiver: Immigrants outside of the U.S. who were deemed inadmissible to the U.S. can try a traditional waiver. This works much like a provisional waiver, except it is usually more straightforward. Immigrants can get the grounds for inadmissibility waived, which can allow them to proceed with the application process.
• Fiancé visas: This is a type of family-based visa that allows immigrants to come to the U.S. if they are engaged to be U.S. citizens or green card holders. Once in the U.S., they have 90 days to get married so that they can get their green card.

How a Family Immigration Lawyer Can Help

Using a family immigration law firm is advised regarding any kind of family-based immigration. Even though there is a high approval rate for family-based visas, there are still plenty of things that could prevent you from becoming a U.S. citizen. Here are some examples of how a family immigration lawyer can help make this process simpler.

Expert Legal Knowledge

Immigration laws in the Los Angeles area can change year to year, making it more difficult to know what paths to take. A family immigration lawyer can help you navigate these changes and inform you on what your best options are.

Immigration attorneys usually have hundreds of immigration cases under their belt and can help you strategize the best course of action. They can help you over, potential obstacles and navigate more complex immigration cases. Your attorney can also hope you come up with the appropriate solution if your application is denied or deemed inadmissible.

Representation and Advocacy

It can be difficult to navigate the legal process of immigration if you do not have experience with immigration law. This is where an immigration attorney comes in to act as your representative and your advocate. They will handle all communication, help you with each step of the process, and advocate on your behalf to get the best possible outcome.

Increase Chances of Success

There is no doubt that navigating family-based immigration with the help of a family immigration attorney is the better option. When you do this, you are increasing your chances of getting the desired outcome.

Your lawyer will help you to fill out all of the required forms and provide information that the government needs to approve your applications. This is incredibly important as even the smallest error could result in your application being rejected or delayed by months.