London Family-Based Immigration Lawyer
Immigrating to the U.S. Through Relatives
As one of the primary pathways for entering the United States on a permanent
basis, family-based
immigration allows foreign nationals to obtain immigrant visas through eligible relatives.
These family members must either be U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent
Residents (LPRs) and must file petitions with USCIS on behalf of their
foreign national relative. There are two main categories of family-based
immigration:
Immediate Relatives
Immediate relatives of U.S. Citizens are given the highest priority when
it comes to obtaining immigrant visas and permanent resident status. Foreign
nationals who qualify as immediate relatives under the USCIS definition
are not subject to numerical visa limitations and will not have to wait
for a visa to become available. This means that they can immigrate to
the U.S. faster than those who immigrate under preference categories.
According to the USCIS, immediate relatives are:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens;
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens;
- Orphans adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen;
- Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen;
- Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old.
Family Preference Immigrant Visas
Non-immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and close relatives of Lawful
Permanent Residents will complete the family-based immigration process
according to the family preference visa categories. Unlike immediate relatives
of U.S. citizens, applicants who fall into family preference categories
must wait until a visa becomes available. Immigrant visas become available
according to priority dates and numerical limitations established by the USCIS.
- (F1) First Preference - Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens aged 21 or over, and their minor children, if any;
- (F2) Second Preference - Spouses, minor children and unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 and over of LPRs. At least 77% of all visas available for this category will go to the spouses and their minor children; the remainder is allocated to unmarried sons and daughters;
- (F3) Third Preference - Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens and their spouses and minor children;
- (F4) Fourth Preference - Siblings of U.S. Citizens and their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. Citizens are 21 years of age or older.
With the help of a US Immigration Lawyer London from the firm, you can explore all your options and find the best solution for you and your family.
Client-Focused Assistance
At the American Immigration Law Office LTD, client satisfaction is the first priority. By working closely with clients, educating them about the complicated immigration process and providing thorough support and assistance, the firm can better help local residents more easily navigate through family-based immigration proceedings. The firm is also prepared to help eligible spouses and children of applicants obtain immigrant visas. Focusing solely on U.S. immigration law and dedicated to the needs of those they represent, this firm is here to help. Need a lawyer for your family-based immigration case in London? Contact the American Immigration Law Office LTD to discuss your case.