Family Immigration Lawyers Boston

Immigration can be a double-edged blade, providing incredible economic opportunities for families while also splitting them apart. One way to keep family members united is for all of them to immigrate together. However, the process of immigration can be stringent, making it difficult for all members to immigrate. A family immigration lawyer can help solve this problem. Get help from a Boston immigration attorney who can guide you on your next steps according to immigration law. If you are related to a lawful permanent resident, such as married children, you’re already a step ahead. Schedule a Consultation at IMM Solutions LLC today for a consultation.

What Family Members Are Eligible to Obtain Residency In the U.S.?

There are various categories of family members who may be eligible to obtain U.S. residency — also known as a Green Card — based on their relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The wait periods for a Green Card can vary depending on the specific category and the applicant's country of origin. Categories include:

  • Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
  • Spouses of U.S. citizens
  • Unmarried children under 21 years old of U.S. citizens
  • Parents of U.S. citizens and the U.S. citizen child at least 21 years old
  • Fiancee of U.S. citizens

There is no numerical limit on the number of Green Cards that can be issued in this category each year, and the wait time can range from a few months to a year or more. Others that can apply include:

  • Unmarried sons and daughters 21 years or older of U.S. citizens
  • Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old of permanent residents
  • Unmarried sons and daughters 21 years or older of permanent residents
  • Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
  • Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens

Family-Based Preference Categories

Family immigration services typically involve assisting individuals and families with various aspects of the immigration process. Here are some examples of the types of services that family immigration lawyers may provide:

Family-Based Visa Petitions 

A family immigration lawyer can help a U.S. citizen or permanent resident file a petition for a family member to obtain a visa.

Adjustment of Status

If a family member is already in the United States and is eligible to apply for a Green Card. Your family immigration lawyer can help with the process of adjusting their status to permanent residency.

Consular Processing

If a family member is outside of the United States and needs to obtain a visa, a family immigration lawyer can help with the process of consular processing. This includes preparing and submitting the necessary documents and supporting evidence.

Waivers

In some cases, a family member may be ineligible for a visa or Green Card due to certain grounds of inadmissibility. A family immigration lawyer can help with the process of applying for a waiver of inadmissibility, if applicable.

Naturalization

If a family member has been a permanent resident for a certain amount of time and is eligible to apply for citizenship, a family immigration lawyer can assist with the naturalization process.

Removal Defense

When a family member is facing deportation or removal proceedings, a lawyer can help with the process of defending against removal and potentially prevent deportation.

Appeals and Motions

If a family member's immigration case has been denied or rejected, an attorney can help with the process of filing an appeal or motion to reopen or reconsider the case.

Benefits of Applying for Family Immigration 

If a foreign national marries a U.S. citizen, they may be eligible to apply for a Green Card through the marriage-based immigration process. This process involves several steps, including filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), completing a medical exam, providing supporting documentation, attending an interview, and passing a background check.

Family Immigration Services

There are several types of visas available for spouses of non-immigrants in the United States. These visas allow spouses to accompany their non-immigrant spouse to the U.S. and stay for a certain period of time. Here are some examples:

Faster Processing Times

Compared to other family-based immigration categories, the processing times for marriage-based Green Card applications tend to be shorter.

Priority Status

In some cases, eligibility requirements for a marriage-based Green Card can be more lenient than other immigration categories. For example, there may be more flexibility with regard to income and employment requirements. Spouses of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives under U.S. immigration law, which means there is no numerical limit on the number of Green Cards that can be issued each year. This can make the process faster and less restrictive than other family-based immigration categories. Find out how to apply for a Green Card for your family member with the help of Boston family immigration lawyers.

Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

There are several types of visas available for spouses of non-immigrants in the United States. These visas allow spouses to accompany their non-immigrant spouse to the U.S. and stay for a certain period. Here are some examples:

Visas for Spouses of Non-Immigrants

There are several types of visas available for spouses of non-immigrants in the United States. These visas allow spouses to accompany their non-immigrant spouse to the U.S. and stay for a certain period. Here are some examples:

H-4 Visa

This visa is available to spouses of H-1B visa holders who are foreign workers in specialty occupations. Spouses with H-4 visas are allowed to work in the U.S. with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

L-2 Visa

The L-2 visa is available to spouses of L-1 visa holders who are intra-company transferees. Spouses with L-2 visas are allowed to work in the U.S. with an EAD.

E-3D Visa

An E-3D visa is available to spouses of E-3 visa holders who are Australian citizens in specialty occupations. Spouses with E-3D visas are allowed to work in the U.S. with an EAD.

O-3 Visa

It is available to spouses of O-1 visa holders who are individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Spouses with O-3 visas are not allowed to work in the U.S.

P-4 Visa

This visa is available to spouses of P-1, P-2, and P-3 visa holders who are athletes, artists, or entertainers. Spouses with P-4 visas are not allowed to work in the U.S.

Fiancé(e) Visa

A Fiancé or Fiancée Visa, also known as a K-1 Visa, is a type of visa that allows a foreign national who is engaged to a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. This visa is available to couples who have a genuine intention to get married within 90 days of the foreign national's arrival in the United States. To be eligible for a Fiancé(e) Visa, the following requirements must be met:

  • The U.S. citizen petitioner must file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with USCIS.
  • The couple must have met in person within the two years prior to filing the petition, with some limited exceptions.
  • The foreign national fiancé(e) must be admissible to the United States and pass a medical examination and a background check.
  • The couple must provide proof of their intention to marry, such as a statement of intent to marry, evidence of wedding planning, and/or engagement rings.

Get the help you need from immigration lawyers who can help you obtain immigrant visas. Our immigration attorney law firm can direct you on your next steps for your family member’s immigrant visa. You can also speak to an adoption lawyer or LGBTQ immigration lawyer at our office. Contact IMM Solutions LLC now for a consultation.