Family Immigration Lawyer in Tampa

Helping Families with the Complexities of U.S. Immigration Law

The United States of America is considered a melting pot of people, races, cultures, and backgrounds. We are a country that immigrants built. In the past, we were much more open to welcoming new neighbors to our foreign shores. However, as a result of overpopulation, the US government has been forced to become much stricter with green card applications and visa processing. Now, some visas and green card applications can take several years to work through the many immigration processes before allowing a hopeful immigrant to come to the US and achieve legal status.

Meanwhile, across the country, there are millions of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents seeking to help family members immigrate to our country with family-based visas. Taking advantage of that fact are several fraudsters and misinformed individuals who do not have the proper experience or good faith to help individuals with their visa applications.

It is highly recommended that you work with experienced Tampa immigration attorneys when seeking family-based immigration options. With our legal representation, we feel confident that we can help you through the many difficult processes and contend with the ever-changing immigration laws related to family-based immigration.

To learn more, please contact us for a free consultation today.

What is Family-Based Immigration?

Family-based immigration is part of the US visa system that provides US citizens and lawful permanent residents the opportunity to sponsor a foreign national who is a family member so that they may come to the US and be united as a family. Through the family-based immigration program, visa holders can also obtain lawful work authorization, seek an education, and enjoy other types of freedoms and rights afforded to those with legal permanent residency or US citizenship.

There are two primary types of family immigration visas: immediate relative visas and family preference visas. For both categories, the sponsors and the immigrant hopefuls must meet the basic eligibility criteria established by the US government. The eligibility requirements for family-based visas vary depending on the type of visa category you are applying for.

If you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, you may seek to help family members legally come to the United States and remain here with proper legal status. To accomplish this, you must submit Form I-130 (a petition for an alien relative) to the proper immigration authorities.

What is a Family-Based Green Card?

Also known as a family-sponsored immigrant visa, the family-based green card is a type of immigration benefit that allows foreign nationals to obtain lawful permanent residency (a green card) in the US through sponsorship of a qualifying family member who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

The availability of family-based green cards is subject to priority dates, annual numerical limits, and other factors. This can sometimes result in lengthy waiting periods.

To discuss your immigration objectives, please contact our law firm for a free case evaluation.

Who is Considered an ‘Immediate Relative?’

The immediate relative category is for any of the following immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen:

• Spouses
• Widows Or widowers
• Unmarried children, including adopted children. Unmarried sons and daughters must be under age 21
• Parents

Immediate relative visas are prioritized over others. There is no cap or limit on the number of such visas issued every year in this category.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Family Immigration?

Eligibility requirements for family-based visas vary depending on the visa category.

In general, however, the following are basic general requirements for family-based immigration:

• Admissibility – The foreign national must meet the admissibility requirements for legal entry to the United States. They must undergo a medical examination, provide supporting documentation, and have no disqualifying criminal charges against them.
• Relationship – To be sponsored as a foreign national, you must have a qualifying family relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Eligible relationships may include spouses, parents, minor children, and siblings.
• Sponsorship – The sponsoring family member must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. They must also meet the basic financial requirements to be a sponsor.
• Petition – The sponsoring family member must file the proper immigrant petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Priority date – Family-based visas can have numerical dates, which often result in a backlog. The priority date determines your place in line. Visa availability may also depend on the category of visa you are seeking and your home country.

What Are Family Preference Visas?

For U.S. citizens, family preference visas include:

• Unmarried children over age 21
• Married sons and daughters
• Siblings

For U.S. permanent residents, the family preference visa categories include:

• Spouses
• Unmarried children

What is Consular Processing?

Consular processing is another route for obtaining a visa through family-based immigration.

Family members living outside the United States may opt to apply for immigrant visas at their local US embassies or US consulates.

What Areas in Family-Based Immigration Does Our Law Firm Represent?

Our law firm provides compassionate legal services to clients with various immigration needs. Whatever your immigration issue, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your case.

Immigration cases we represent include:

• International adoptions
• Deportation defense
• Hague Convention adoptions
• Appeals of family petition denials
• Naturalization
• Family-based visas
• Business visas
• Skilled worker visas
• National interest waivers
• Victims of crime visas
• Investor visas
• Student visas
• Intracompany transferees
• And more

What Are Common Legal Challenges in the Family-Based Immigration Process?

Common legal challenges that individuals and their families may face include:

• Failing to meet eligibility requirements
• Long wait times
• Admissibility issues
• Changes in immigration policies
• The complexity of the epic immigration system
• Complex documentation
• Consular the processing and interviews

Do You Need to Work with Family Immigration Lawyers in Tampa?

Tampa immigration lawyers can help families with a number of different legal challenges, whether they are facing deportation proceedings or hoping to bring family members to the United States so that they may enjoy the many benefits that our country has to offer.

Our law firm is dedicated to helping clients and their families be united in the United States through legal means. To learn more about our legal services, please contact our law firm to schedule your free case evaluation today.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with an Experienced Tampa Immigration Attorney Today

Families hoping to be united in the US need to speak with a knowledgeable immigration attorney for legal assistance. Our legal team, led by American Immigration Lawyers Association Member Ernesto Buitrago, has extensive experience helping individuals and their families achieve their immigration goals.

To learn more about our legal services and how we can help your family achieve the American dream, please get in touch with our Tampa immigration law firm today.

Our law office offers free case evaluations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services. Schedule your risk-free case review today at 866-519-3545.