What is Family-Based Immigration Visa?

Family-based immigration visas allow close relatives of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to immigrate and live permanently in the United States. These visas are available for spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents, and sometimes extended family members.

Eligibility for a Family Visa in the USA

To qualify for a family visa, applicants must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident.

Types of Family-Based Immigration Visas

Family-based visas are categorized into two groups:

Immediate Relative Visas: Available to close family members of U.S. citizens. These visas do not have an annual limit. Eligible relatives include:

• Spouse
• Son or daughter
• Parent (if the U.S. citizen is over 21)
• Brother or sister (if the U.S. citizen is over 21)

Family Preference: These are for specific, more distant familial relationships with a U.S. citizen and some relationships with an LPR. There is a yearly cap on the number of visas issued in these categories. Eligible relatives include:

• Spouse of an LPR
• Unmarried son or daughter of an LPR

How to Apply for the Family-Based Visa?

U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents must start the process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Following approval, complete the Form DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, accessible through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

Required Documents for a Family-Based Visa Application?

Applicants need to prepare several documents, including:

• Birth Certificates
• Valid Passport
• Marriage Certificates or Marriage Termination Documentation (if applicable)
• Court and Prison Records (if applicable)
• Adoption Documents (if applicable)
• Military Records (if applicable)
• Police Certificates (if applicable)
• Affidavit of Support Documents
• Petitioner Documents

Consult Our Experienced Family Immigration Attorney

At Najib Hakimi Law PLLC, our experienced immigration attorney is ready to guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth process for your family immigration needs. For personalized assistance, fill out our online form or call us at (+1)360-390-3936 to schedule a consultation today.

FAQ:

• Filing Petitions for the Family-Based Visa from Outside the United States.
• What is an Affidavit of Support?
• Who must attend the interview?
• What are the Required Documents for the Interview?
• What should I do before traveling to the USA?
• What Happens when You File a Petition for a Family-Based Immigrant Visa?
• Can the Beneficiary Apply for an Immigrant Visa from Outside the US?
• How Can Beneficiaries Apply for Permanent Residency While in the US?
• Should You Inform USCIS About the Beneficiary’s Current Address?
• What Happens if You Forget to Inform USCIS About the Beneficiary’s Intent to Consular Process or Adjust Status?
• What Should You Do if Your Petition Needs to Be Sent to the NVC for Consular Processing?