Family Immigration
Family reunification is at the heart of U.S. immigration law.
At Immigration Spurgin, we understand how important it is to be with your loved ones. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, bringing family members to join you in the United States can be a challenging yet immensely rewarding process through family immigration.
With nearly 40 years of experience, Stephen Spurgin has helped countless families navigate the complexities of family-based immigration.
We offer compassionate, thorough, and efficient legal support to ensure that your family can be together, no matter the obstacles.
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What is Family Immigration?
Family Immigration refers to the process through which U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can petition for their family members to join them in the U.S. Family immigration is a priority in U.S. immigration law, but it can involve several steps depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the family member being petitioned.
There are two main categories of family-based immigration:
- Immediate Relative Visas: These are available to close family members of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
- Family Preference Visas: These are available to other family members, such as adult children, siblings, and married children of U.S. citizens, as well as the spouses and children of permanent residents.
Types of Family Immigration Visas
At Immigration Spurgin, we help families through a variety of family immigration options, including the following:
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have the highest priority in the family-based immigration system, meaning their petitions typically have faster processing times and fewer backlogs. These include:
- Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
- Unmarried Children under 21 of a U.S. Citizen
- Parents of a U.S. Citizen (if the U.S. citizen is over 21)
These visas are for more distant family relationships and can take longer to process due to annual quotas and country-specific limits. Some of the common categories include:
- Adult Children (21 years or older) of U.S. Citizens
- Siblings of U.S. Citizens (U.S. citizen must be 21 or older)
- Spouses and Children of Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
While these categories may take longer to process, they are still an essential option for family reunification.
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The K-1 Visa, also known as the Fiancé Visa, is for foreign nationals who are engaged to a U.S. citizen. This visa allows your fiancé(e) to enter the United States so you can get married within 90 days of their arrival.
After the marriage, your spouse can apply for a Green Card through the Adjustment of Status process.
A Marriage Visa is a visa that allows the foreign national spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to enter the U.S. and live together.
The Family Immigration Process
The family immigration process can vary depending on the visa type and the country of origin, but generally, the process follows these steps:
1. File the Petition
The first step in the family immigration process is for the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to file a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This form establishes the family relationship and starts the immigration process.
2. Wait for Petition Approval
Once the I-130 petition is approved, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. At this point, you will be notified about the next steps, including submitting additional forms and documentation.
3. Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status
Consular Processing: If the relative is outside the U.S., they will attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Adjustment of Status: If the relative is already in the U.S., they may be eligible to apply for a Green Card through Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status).
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4. Interview and Approval
For both consular processing and adjustment of status, applicants will generally have to attend an interview where a USCIS officer or consular officer will review their application, documents, and background.
If everything checks out, the family member will be approved for permanent residency.
5. Green Card Issuance
Once approved, the family member will receive their Green Card (Permanent Resident Card), allowing them to live and work in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Why Choose Immigration Spurgin for Your Family Immigration Case?
At Immigration Spurgin, we are deeply committed to helping families navigate the often complex and emotionally charged process of family-based immigration. Our experienced team, led by Stephen Spurgin, provides the following advantages to our clients:
- 40 Years of Experience: With decades of experience in immigration law, Stephen Spurgin and his team understand the nuances of the family immigration process and are equipped to handle even the most challenging cases.
- Expert Guidance: We offer personalized guidance and step-by-step support to help you understand each phase of the process, from filing petitions to preparing for interviews.
- Bilingual Services: We proudly offer services in both English and Spanish to accommodate clients from diverse backgrounds and ensure clear communication throughout the process.
- Compassionate Support: Family immigration cases can be stressful, but we are here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We treat each case with the utmost care and dedication.
Get Started with Your Family Immigration Case Today
If you’re looking to reunite with your loved ones in the U.S., Immigration Spurgin is here to help.
Our team of experienced immigration professionals is ready to guide you through the family-based immigration process with expertise and care.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can assist you, call Immigration Spurgin at (833) 477-8744 or contact us online.
