Is Family-Based Immigration Your Path to Citizenship? 

Immigrants come from diverse experiences, and everyone who moves to a new country does so for unique reasons. However, family lies at the heart of many immigrant journeys. If you’re looking to reunite with loved ones in the U.S., understanding family-based immigration is key. Fortunately, Nava Law Group, P.C. is here for you as you undertake this lengthy process. Learn more about family-based immigration and how we help unify families in Houston, TX.

Types of Family-Based Immigration

Our family-based immigration lawyers have years of experience working with clients who want to come to the United States for a variety of reasons. For many immigrants, family connections are the most straightforward way to gain residency. Here’s a brief overview of the two family-based categories: 

• Immediate Relatives—Spouses, parents, and unmarried minor children (under 21 years old) may be eligible for family-based immigration. There is no cap on how many people may gain entry this way, so the process is typically faster than other immigration methods. 
• Family Preference Categories—These categories cover other family relationships, such as adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens and certain relatives of lawful permanent residents. Unlike immediate relatives, these categories have annual caps, which can lead to longer wait times.

Limitations in Family-Based Immigration

While family-based immigration offers a pathway to reunite with your loved ones, it comes with limitations. Keep the following in mind as you explore your options for entering the United States legally: 

• Numerical Caps—Family preference categories are subject to annual numerical caps, leading to backlogs and potentially long wait times. The demand often exceeds the available slots, so expect delays throughout the process. 
• Eligibility Criteria—Not all relatives are eligible for sponsorship. For example, extended families like cousins and grandparents cannot typically be sponsored under family-based immigration laws.
• Financial Requirements—Sponsors must meet specific financial requirements to ensure the new immigrant will not become a public charge. You may have to prove you have enough income to support your relative.

The Process for Receiving a Family-Based Immigration Visa 

Whether you’re sponsoring a family member or seeking a family-based immigration attorney for yourself, it’s essential to understand the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what to expect: 

• Filing the Petition—The U.S. citizen must file the proper petitions to establish their relationship with the applicant (immigrant). 
• Submitting Civil Documents—The applicant will need to collect and submit civil documents along with their online visa application. Each country requires different documents, so talk to our team about which ones you need.  
• Interviewing—The applicant will then interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. All family members who plan to immigrate must attend the interview. 
• Waiting for Approval—Once all documents are submitted and the interview has concluded, the applicant and their family will await approval. 

The Timeline for Family-Based Immigration

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to predict how long it will take to obtain a family-based immigration visa. The United States is notorious for long processing times, so plan for at least a year of preparation and waiting. Immediate relatives are often approved faster, with the process only taking six months to a year. However, other family members may need to wait years before their visa is approved. Our team will work with you to better understand the timeline for your specific case. 

Why an Immigration Attorney Is Your Best Bet 

Dealing with the family-immigration backlog and piles of paperwork is overwhelming for most people. If you aren’t familiar with all the ins and outs of immigration law, it’s all too easy to make a mistake and ruin a visa application. But when you choose the experienced legal professionals at Nava Law Group, P.C., you’ll benefit from expert guidance, a helping hand, and peace of mind. Our attorneys offer the gold standard in legal counsel, and you can expect the following from us: 

• Personalized Consultations—We begin with a consultation to learn more about you and your family. From there, we can tailor our advice to meet your needs. 
• Comprehensive Support—From filing petitions to preparing for consular interviews, we offer support every step of the way.
• Years of Experience—Our lawyers have been working with immigration law cases for years. We understand how to navigate the complexities of the U.S. system. 

Reach Out to Nava Law Group, P.C. Today 

Family-based immigration is a source of hope for many families hoping to reunite in the United States. While the process is complex and time-consuming, the difficulty is often well worth the results. Nava Law Group, P.C. is here to make the process more manageable for U.S. citizens and the applicants they plan to sponsor. We take clients from Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and the surrounding areas, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.