Family is the foundation of a happy and fulfilling life. For immigrants, the separation from loved ones due to visa restrictions can be a painful experience. Fortunately, family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor relatives to join them in the United States. At James Immigration Law, we specialize in helping families navigate the immigration system so they can stay together.

How Family-Based Immigration Works

The U.S. immigration system prioritizes family unity through two main categories: Immediate Relatives and Family Preference Categories. Each category has different requirements and waiting periods, but both are essential to ensuring families can reunite.

• Immediate Relatives: This category includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. There is no annual cap on the number of visas available in this category, which makes it the quickest option for family members of U.S. citizens to immigrate.
• Family Preference Categories: This category includes adult children (both married and unmarried), siblings, and other relatives of lawful permanent residents (LPRs). Unlike the immediate relatives category, family preference visas have annual limits, and applicants may face longer waiting periods as a result. However, these categories still offer a pathway to family reunification.

Eligibility Requirements

To successfully sponsor a family member, sponsors must meet certain requirements:

1. Prove the Relationship: You must provide evidence of your familial relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other documentation.
2. Meet Financial Criteria: Sponsors are required to provide an affidavit of support, proving that they can financially support their relatives without them relying on government assistance. This ensures that the sponsored relative will not become a public charge after arriving in the U.S.
3. File a Form I-130 Petition: This form initiates the family-based immigration process. Sponsors must submit a complete and accurate petition along with any necessary supporting evidence.

Once the petition is approved, the family member can apply for a visa to enter the U.S. or adjust their status if they are already in the country.

How James Immigration Law Helps You

Family-based immigration involves extensive paperwork, strict deadlines, and various steps that must be completed correctly. A single mistake can cause costly delays or even a denial. At James Immigration Law, we simplify the process, ensuring everything is handled with care and efficiency.

Whether you’re reuniting with a spouse, child, or parent, our bilingual attorneys will guide you every step of the way, making the process as smooth as possible.

Challenges in a Changing Immigration Landscape

Family-based immigration has faced increased scrutiny and challenges in recent years. New requirements and policy changes have made the process more complex, sometimes leading to long waiting periods and uncertainty. Despite these hurdles, family sponsorship remains a cornerstone of U.S. immigration law, and reuniting families is a priority for many.

At James Immigration Law, we stay informed about the latest policy changes and are dedicated to ensuring your case complies with current requirements. Our knowledge and commitment to family unity help protect your family’s future and give you the best chance of success.

Your Family Belongs Together

Reuniting with loved ones is one of the most important and emotional steps in the immigration process. Whether you are seeking to bring a spouse, parent, or child to the U.S., family-based immigration is a powerful tool to ensure that families remain together.

Contact James Immigration Law today to begin the family-based immigration process. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on reuniting with your loved ones. With our help, your family can be together, and your future can be brighter.

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