Committed To Helping Families Reunite

Citizens and permanent residents of the United States have the ability to sponsor certain family members for immigration. As an immigration attorney, I understand the importance of reuniting your family and keeping it intact. At The Law Office of Ana Y. Romero, PLLC, I can help you take the appropriate steps to set the immigration process in motion for yourself or your loved ones.

The Two Main Types Of Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigration is divided into two main groups: Immediate Relatives and Family Preference. Immediate Relatives include spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children under 21 years old of U.S. citizens and parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21 years or older). The number of visas available under this category is not limited to each given year, meaning that your application can be filed at any time if you fall under this category. If you are in the United States, you may concurrently file form I-485 along with form I-130 petition filed by your U.S. citizen sponsor/family member if you qualify.

Family preference categories include:

• First preference (F1): Unmarried children who are 21 years of age the US citizens
• Second preference (F2A): Spouses and children who are under 21 years of age of the US citizens
• Second preference (F2B): Unmarried children who are over 21 years of age of lawful US citizens
• Third preference (F3): Married children of US citizens
• Fourth preference (F4): Siblings of US citizens

There are annual limits on the number of visas that can be issued for those who fall under the family preference category. Your sponsor must first file form I-130 and then wait for your priority date to be current to file form I-485 if you are in the United States.

Other Family-Based Immigration Options

There are several other potential avenues for bringing relatives from abroad into the U.S. Some of the most common include:

• Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1). The K-1 visa is designed for foreign nationals engaged to U.S. citizens. It allows the fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. for the purpose of getting married. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.
• Green Card through INA Section 245(i) Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) enables certain individuals who are present in the United States who would not normally qualify to apply for adjustment of status in the United States to obtain a Green Card regardless of:
  • The manner they entered the United States;
  • Whether they are working in the United States without authorization
  • Whether they have failed to continuously maintain lawful status since entry

Note that if you are seeking a green card through INA Section 245(i), you must be the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition filed on or before April 30, 2001.

I Can Help You Bring Your Family Together

Whether you are seeking to bring your family to the U.S., or whether they are trying to give you a path to residence, I can provide you with the assistance you need. I offer phone and video consultations and can accommodate in-person consultations as scheduling allows. Email me or call me at 214-385-4992 or 360-300-2564 to arrange your appointment today.