All You Need to Know About Family Based Visas

 

Do you know how to get a visa without leaving the country? United States citizens and lawful permanent residents, also known as holders of Green cards in the USA, have the ability to sponsor a family member who lives abroad.

 The availability of family-based visas differs based on whether the person petitioning for a relative is a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident, as well as on the family relationship, age, marital state, and country of birth of the proposed foreigner.


Obtaining a Family-Based Visa

Thousands of US citizens and lawful permanent citizens help their relatives who live abroad get a family-based visa per year. In fact, the US gives out about 480,000 family-based visas yearly.

 Some relatives receive priority over others for a family-based visa, including spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21. Other family members can obtain a family-based visa as well, but they may face a more extended waiting period. Family-based visas for different types of relatives are divided into four categories:

  • F-1: First decision for unmarried children, who are 21 or older, of US citizens
  • F-2A: Second decision for spouses and married children, who are under 21, of lawful permanent citizens
  • F-2B: Second decision for unmarried children, who are 21 or older, of legal permanent residents.
  • F-3: Third decision for married children who have green cards in the USA
  • F-4: Fourth decision for sisters and brother, who are 21 or older, of US citizens

 The waiting time for obtaining a family-based visa may take from six months to 20 years and depends on several factors, including:

  • The immigration status of the petitioner
  • The type of family member petitioned for
  • Where the family member is from

 How to Apply for a Family-Based Visa?

In order to petition a relative, begin by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form sets the family relationship between you and the individual you’re petitioning.

 After you fill this form, you have to follow the following steps:

  • If your relative is already in the US, they may apply to adjust status to become green cards in USA holder after a visa number becomes available using Form I-485.
  • If your relative is outside the US, your petition will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will send your petition to the appropriate US embassy when a visa becomes ready.

 Your family member’s choice category will decide how long they will wait for an immigrant visa.


Conclusion

Looking to how to get a visa without leaving the country? At Reyes Schroeder Law & Associates, our lawyers are well experienced and specialize in all the areas of immigration laws, including green cards in the USA, deportation defense, appeals, family-sponsored immigration, employment-sponsored immigration, temporary visas for work, and more.

 Schedule a free consultation today with our lawyers, and they will help you get a visa without leaving the country.

Related Article: Top 4 Tips to Hire a DUI Defense Attorney

Location: United States

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