Dallas Family Immigration Lawyer

U.S. citizens and residents have several options for bringing their family members to the country. However, to achieve the desired results, they need to go through a complex procedure. Simple mistakes that occur due to a lack of legal knowledge can lead to denials.

An experienced Dallas family immigration lawyer can help you initiate the process of reuniting with your loved one and guide you through all the legal complexities.

Contact our dedicated immigration attorneys today for a free consultation.

Opportunities for Family-Based Immigration

Many people do not realize that they have several options for bringing their family members to the U.S. A family immigration lawyer in Dallas can help explain how these options work. They include:

IR – Immediate Relatives

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can initiate a fast-track green card process. This includes:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens
• Parents of U.S. citizens
• Children under 21 of U.S. citizens

Unlike many other types of visas, these do not have annual caps.

FB1 – Family First Preference Immigration

This category covers unmarried children of U.S. citizens who are over 21. They remain eligible for green cards but face annual limits and long wait times. If approved, their unmarried children under 21 may also qualify to immigrate.

FB2 – Family Second Preference Immigration

This category applies to spouses and children of permanent residents. Due to the small share of visa allotment, spouses and unmarried children under 21 may have to wait more than three years for a visa. Meanwhile, children over 21 could wait for eight years since the cap for these is even smaller.

FB3 – Family Third Preference Immigration

U.S. citizens may sponsor their married children over 21, who are eligible to immigrate with their spouses and unmarried children under 21. However, due to the cap, applicants often wait nine to ten years for approval.

FB4 – Family Fourth Preference Immigration

Siblings of U.S. citizens who are over 21 years old may also apply for a green card. While this route allows for family reunification, the annual cap is small, so the wait time can exceed 10 years.

How to Apply for Family Visas

The process of family immigration in Dallas can be complicated. A qualified lawyer can explain all the steps and help avoid pitfalls. The general procedure includes:

• The U.S. citizen filing a petition (Form I-130) for reunification with the USCIS
• If approved, the petition proceeds to the National Visa Center (NVC) for review
• NVC begins pre-processing of the case (filling out forms, paying fees, etc.)

Once NVC processes all fees and documents, it sets the date for an interview at the family member’s place of residence. To prepare for the interview, the family member has to pass a medical examination and collect all the necessary documents. The decision whether to grant a visa will be made on-site.

Speak With a Dallas Family Immigration Lawyer Today

While family members of U.S. citizens and residents have the right to receive a visa, the process of doing so requires patience and legal experience. A mistake made at any of the stages could lead to a denial.

A competent Dallas family immigration lawyer from Monty & Ramirez can guide you through the application process and make sure you follow the right procedure. Contact us to discuss your plans for bringing your family to the U.S. today during a free consultation.