Jurado & Associates, P.A. is your trusted partner when it comes to reuniting families and navigating the complexities of family-based immigration in the USA. Whether you’re seeking to bring your spouse, child, close relative, or you’re a non-U.S. citizen aspiring to obtain a green card, Jurado & Associates, P.A. is dedicated to assisting you every step of the way.
What is Family-Based Immigration?
The primary avenue for securing a green card is through family sponsorship. In this process, either a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (LPR) initiates the journey by filing a Form I-130 along with supporting documentation with the USCIS. Once approved, the family member can begin the visa application process. However, in some cases, waiting for an available visa number may be necessary.
What is a Green Card?
A green card signifies Legal Permanent Residence in the United States, a status that can be obtained through various avenues, such as family sponsorship, U.S. employer sponsorship, asylum, and more. Possessing a green card grants the holder the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely, with a validity period of ten years, extendable through renewal.
After five years, most green card holders become eligible to pursue U.S. citizenship, though certain special circumstances may shorten this timeline to three years.
How is the Immigration Process for Immediate Relatives?
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens enjoy the privilege of bypassing waitlists. Once the I-130 is approved, the application process, managed by the National Visa Center (NVC) and the consulate at the embassy, can commence. Immediate relatives encompass:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Children of U.S. citizens under 21 and unmarried
- Parents of U.S. citizens (if the child is 21 or older)
If your relatives fall within these categories and are not inadmissible under other provisions, they are eligible to obtain a green card.
How is the Immigration Process for Non-Immediate Relatives?
Individuals who are relatives of U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents may still be eligible for a green card, albeit with placement on a waitlist. The categories for non-immediate relatives are as follows:
- F1 – Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- F2A – Spouses and Children of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
- F2B – Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years old or older) of Lawful Permanent Residents
- F3 – Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- F4 – Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens
Each category has its own waitlist, subject to monthly changes. The Visa Bulletin, published by the Department of State, informs applicants when their priority date becomes current. Upon reaching this milestone, family members can apply for a visa at the embassy or for a green card within the United States.
Do You Want Professional Assistance for Family-Based Immigration in the USA? Here is How We Can Help You
If you are eager to apply for a visa for yourself or a family member and require expert guidance, reach out to us at Jurado & Associates, P.A..
Contact us today by phone at (305) 921-0976, by email at [email protected], or by WhatsApp at +1 (305) 921-0976. We are here to provide you with the professional assistance you need to navigate the family-based immigration process effectively.
