Immigrating to the United States on a Family-based visa can be a complicated and frustrating process. That’s especially true without the assistance of an experienced family immigration lawyer in Beverly Hills.

As a first-generation American, Rohit Srinivasa has a unique understanding of the US immigration process. That means, at Inventimm, PC, we understand the immigration process from the immigrant's perspective and the perspective of an immigration lawyer.

Working with an experienced family immigration lawyer can help you, and your loved ones avoid potentially costly family immigration mistakes that could result in application delays and denials. Whether you’re considering a K-1 Visa, CR-1 Visa, or a visa to petition for other members of your family, we’re here to help.

Contact Inventimm, PC, today to discuss the details of your family immigration plans and the best steps moving forward. Continue reading to learn more.

What is a Family-Based Immigration?

Any foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the U.S. must have an appropriate immigrant visa. Eligibility for family-based immigration requires sponsorship from an immediate relative over the age of 21 who is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

Generally, family-based immigration requires a U.S. citizen or green card holder (i.e., petitioner) to sponsor a relative, fiance, or spouse (i.e., beneficiary) to obtain permanent residence in the U.S.

There are two types of family-based immigration categories, they include:

  • Immediate Relatives: Spouse, unmarried children under 21, adopted children, parents of U.S. citizens.
  • Family preference: Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens, spouses of green card holders, unmarried adult children of permanent residents, married adult children of U.S. citizens, siblings of U.S. citizens over 21.

It’s important to note that the path to permanent residency for immediate relatives is significantly faster than for family preference category visas.

Types of Family-Sponsored Green Cards

There are many types of family green cards. Each has different criteria, guidelines, and procedures. Depending on the circumstances, U.S. citizens petitioning for family members can apply for one of the following types of visas:

Immediate Relative Visas

Individuals who have family members residing in the U.S. who are U.S. citizens can apply for the following types of Immediate Relative (IR) visas, depending on the circumstances:

  • CR-1 - A conditional two-year green card for spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for less than two years at the time of green card approval.
  • IR-1 Visa - Spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married for more than two years at the time of green card approval.
  • IR-2 Visa - Unmarried children of U.S. citizens who are under 21 years of age.
  • IR-3 Visa - Children adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen.
  • IR-4 Visa - Children adopted while in the US by a US citizen.
  • IR- 5 Visa - Parents of U.S. citizens at least 21 years old.

IR visas offer more flexibility and freedoms than green cards derived from other visa categories. Additionally, there are no annual caps on the number of immediate relatives allowed to immigrate to the U.S. However, obtaining a green card for immediate family members is not always easy. Working with a proven family immigration lawyer in Beverly Hills can help ensure your paperwork is flawless, you meet all deadlines, and you understand your rights in the event of denials or delays. Contact Inventimm, PC, today to discuss your family immigration goals.

Family Preference Visas

Suppose you’re a U.S. citizen with a distant relative you want to petition for or a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) desiring to petition for any family member. In that case, you can apply for the following types of family preference visas:

  • F-1 Visa: Unmarried sons, daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children under 18.
  • F-2 Visa: Spouses (F-2A) and children under 18 (F-2B) of green card holders.
  • F-3 Visa: Children of U.S. citizens who are married, including their spouse and children.
  • F-4 Visa: Siblings of U.S. citizens (21 and older) who will immigrate to the U.S. with their spouse and children.

It’s important to note that there is an annual cap on family preference visas.

K-1 Visas for Fian(é)e

The K-1 visa for fiances is reserved for individuals living abroad engaged to a U.S. citizen. It allows the fiance to travel to the U.S. to get married within 90 days of arrival.

Contact a Beverly Hills Family Immigration Attorney Today

Are you ready to join your family in the U.S. or petition for a family member abroad? Contact a Beverly Hills Family Immigration Lawyer at Inventimm, PC, for your free initial consultation today.