Columbus Family-based Immigration Lawyer
The United States of America is full of never-ending opportunities. This is why many people who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are looking to help their loved ones gain permanent entry to the U.S.
If you are an American citizen or a legal permanent resident of the U.S. thinking of sponsoring a family member for a U.S. immigrant visa that will grant them permanent entry, you might be wondering which family member you can sponsor. So, which family member can you sponsor for a U.S. immigrant visa that will grant them permanent entry to the U.S.? Read on to find out how a Columbus family-based immigration lawyer can help.
What Is Family-Based Immigration?
Before getting into which family member you can sponsor, it is vital that you first understand the meaning of “family-based immigration.” Family-based immigration is when an individual who is either a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. sponsors a foreigner (someone living outside America) related to them to immigrate to the U.S. and live here permanently.
For you to be eligible to sponsor a loved one to immigrate to the U.S. permanently, you must meet certain qualifications. For example, you must meet the financial qualifications if you are to be allowed to sponsor a relative for a U.S. immigrant visa that will grant them permanent entry. Generally, when it comes to financial qualifications, you are required to show that you have the capability to be your loved one’s financial sponsor once they get to the U.S.
Family Members That a U.S. Citizen Can Sponsor
As an American citizen, you can file a family-based petition for the following family members;
- Husband or wife
- Children (married or unmarried)
- Parents
- Brothers or sisters
However, as a U.S. citizen, to be eligible to file a family-based petition for your brother, sister, or parent, you must be at least twenty-one years old.
Family Members That a Lawful Permanent Resident Can Sponsor
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States of America, you can file a family-based petition for the following family members;
- Wife or Husband
- Unmarried daughter or son
A Summary of the Process
The process of bringing your loved one to the U.S. begins with you filing and submitting a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with the USCIS and demonstrating that you are eligible to sponsor your loved one.
You should note that the USCIS will only approve your Form I-130 if, among other things, you can establish a relationship between you and the person you wish to sponsor. After the approval, your relative will then be able to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
Also, you should note that some family members must wait for a visa number to become available before they can apply. However, if a relative qualifies as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, they will be issued with an immigrant visa once Form I-130 is approved; therefore, they won’t have to wait.
Contact a Columbus Family Immigration Lawyer
If you need more information on family-based immigration or help with a family-based petition, do not hesitate to contact our experienced Columbus family immigration lawyers at Shirazi Law Firm. We can give you the information you need or work with you to ensure a successful outcome in your case.
