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Frisco Family-Based Immigration Attorney
Trustworthy Family Immigration Lawyer Offering Comprehensive Services in Collin County
The United States is a nation built on diverse cultures and communities, and it has been enriched by the contributions of immigrants from around the world. Family-based immigration is one of the primary ways that immigrants can reunite with loved ones who are already living in the U.S. This process allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor certain family members for immigration benefits.
If you are looking to bring your family members to live with you in Frisco, Texas or the surrounding area, it is important to understand the complex laws and regulations that govern family-based immigration. Navigating these processes can be overwhelming without proper guidance from an experienced immigration attorney. At John W. Lawit, LLC, our dedicated team of legal professionals has extensive knowledge of immigration law and experience in assisting clients with various aspects of family-based immigration.
Sponsorship Eligibility
To begin the process of bringing your relatives to the U.S., you must first meet certain sponsor eligibility requirements:
- U.S. citizenship: If you are a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to sponsor your spouse, children, parents, or siblings.
- Lawful Permanent Resident status: As a Green Card holder, you have fewer sponsorship options available to you, but you may be able to petition for your spouse or children who are unmarried and under 21 years old.
Filing Petitions
Once sponsorship eligibility has been established, certain forms must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The appropriate form depends on your relationship to the intended immigrant:
- Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative is used to sponsor spouses, parents, children (both married and unmarried), and siblings. This form establishes the qualifying relationship between the sponsor and the beneficiary.
- Form I-751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence is filed if your relative obtained conditional permanent resident status through marriage, and it must be filed before the expiration of their conditional Green Card. This allows them to remove the conditions on permanent residence and become lawful permanent residents after proving that their marriage was genuine.
Documentation and Evidence
To support your petition, USCIS requires various documents to prove your relationship to the immigrant petitioner:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status.
- Proof of family relationships, such as birth or marriage certificates.
- Proof of income for the sponsor (or co-sponsors) that demonstrates the financial ability to support the intended immigrant. A sponsor must earn at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Sponsoring family members will be required to submit Form I-864: Affidavit of Support. They must also submit comprehensive documentation to show that they meet all USCIS requirements. At John W. Lawit, LLC, our Frisco immigration attorneys have extensive experience working with families to prepare thorough applications and provide compelling evidence. We work to ensure a smooth process for our clients.
Petition Processing Time
The processing time for family-based immigration petitions can vary widely depending on factors such as current wait times and visa availability: In general, spouses or children of U.S. citizens can usually obtain visas within six to 12 months. For all other relatives of citizens or LPRs, the processing and wait times may be anywhere from one to 10 years.
For immigrants who are currently living in the United States and meet the eligibility requirements for immigration, it may be possible to apply for adjustment of status if an immigrant visa number is available. For those who are outside the United States, consular processing will usually be required before an immigrant can obtain authorization to enter the United States.
John W. Lawit, LLC Is Here to Help
The family-based immigration process can be complex and overwhelming without proper legal guidance. At John W. Lawit, LLC, our dedicated team of immigration attorneys understands the importance of family reunification, and we will provide personalized attention to your case. We provide comprehensive legal services that include:
- Evaluating whether family members are eligible to sponsor immigrants for visas.
- Filing petitions with USCIS.
- Gathering supporting evidence and documentation.
- Preparing clients for interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.
Our commitment goes beyond assisting you with the initial petition filing. We can also handle any issues or complications that may arise throughout the process. We will do everything we can to make sure your immigration journey proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Contact Our Frisco Family Immigration Attorneys Today
If you need assistance with family-based immigration matters in Frisco, contact John W. Lawit, LLC today at 214-609-2242 to schedule a consultation. We are ready to guide you through the complicated legal journey and help you reunite with your loved ones in the United States.