Family Preference Visas in Kennewick

United States immigration law allows both citizens and people with Legal Permanent Resident status—or Green Card holders—to sponsor eligible family members for immigration into the U.S. Though, certain family members and sponsors having priority over others. Spouses, minor children, and parents of citizens are often eligible for immediate relative immigrant visas, while other family members may be eligible for family preference visas.

Applying for and successfully receiving a family preference visa in Kennewick can be a complex and high-stakes process, since only a limited number of these visas are made available each year. Having help from a knowledgeable visa attorney during this process can significantly boost your chances of getting the positive outcome your family wants while avoiding mistakes that could lead to processing delays.

Who Is Eligible for Family Preference Visas?

There are five types of family preference visas that citizens or lawful residents in Kennewick may apply for, each meant for a different type of relative and/or sponsor. The priority order for these categories is as follows:

• F1 – unmarried children over 21 of citizens
• F2A – spouses and children under 21 of people with LPR status
• F2B – unmarried children over 21 of people with LPR status
• F3 – married children of any age of citizens
• F4 – siblings of citizens over 21

Other family members, such as grandchildren or grandparents, are not eligible for this type of immigrant visa.

In addition, the prospective visa recipient must be physically within the United States and not considered inadmissible under any federal law when they submit Form I-485 to apply for adjustment of status. This step in the process must also be preceded by an approved Form I-130 along with associated documentation submitted by the sponsoring relative. A seasoned legal professional could discuss in further detail exactly what steps go into the process of applying for a family preference visa in Kennewick during a private consultation.

Proving Eligibility for a Family Preference Visa

During the application process for a family preference visa, a sponsor in Kennewick must establish through objective documentary evidence that the relationship they are claiming to have with the prospective visa recipient is genuine. This can be done through various means depending on the circumstances, as an experienced attorney could further explain. For example, a parent-child relationship could be established through a birth certificate, while a married couple may submit their marriage certificate.

It is worth noting, though, that USCIS examines applications filed on behalf of spouses very carefully to ensure the marriage is “bona fide,” and a marriage certificate alone is generally not sufficient proof that the marriage is legitimate and was not entered solely for immigration purposes. Additional evidence that may demonstrate a marriage is bona fide includes:

• Jointly held or owned property deeds
• Lease agreements
• Utility bills
• Letters between both spouses postmarked prior to their wedding date

Talk to a Kennewick Attorney About Family Preference Visas

Because family preference visas are in such high demand, USCIS is strict about the proper procedures for applying for this kind of immigrant visa and proving eligibility to receive one. Even a small mistake or omission could lead to substantial processing delays or even result in your application being rejected completely.

There is no substitute for guidance from a capable lawyer when it comes to effectively applying for family preference visas in Kennewick. Call today for a private meeting.