Elkhart Family Immigration Lawyers
Every year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office receives several million applications for visas that would allow someone to temporarily reside in the country, apply for permanent residency, or become a naturalized citizen. The Immigration and Naturalization Act caps the number of permanent residents that can be admitted on an annual basis. One of the only ways around this is through a family member exception for current United States citizens and permanent residents. This can be a complex process, and it is important to retain skilled Elkhart family-based immigration lawyers.
At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, we have over four decades of experience helping family members get their U.S. visas and residency status.
Who is Eligible for Family-Based Immigration Visas?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets forth two categories of family-based immigration visas that can be issued to family members of a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen. These are:
- Immediate Relative Immigrant Visa
- Family Preference Immigration Visa
If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, the good news is, these types of visas are unlimited and not subject to any caps under current immigration laws. To qualify as an immediate relative, you must be a:
- Spouse of a U.S. citizen (IR-1)
- Unmarried child, under 21 of age, of a U.S. citizen (IR-2)
- Orphan adopted by a U.S. citizen (IR-3)
- Orphan who will be adopted by a U.S. citizen and brought to the country (IR-4)
- Parent of a U.S. citizen who is 21 years of age or older (IR-5)
If you do not qualify as an immediate relative, you would need to apply under a family preference immigration visa, which does have limitations per category. If you are a permanent resident rather than a U.S. citizen, the number issued each year is even lower.
Family preference visas are divided into these categories:
- Family First Preference is for unmarried children of U.S. citizens and their minor children (F1);
- Family Second Preference is for spouses, minor children, and unmarried children who are 21 years of age or over of permanent residents (F2);
- Family Third Preference is for married children of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor kids (F3); and
- Family Fourth Preference is for brothers and sisters 21 years of age or older of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children (F4).
Relatives Who are Ineligible for Family-Based Immigration Visas
Just because you are related to someone does not mean you automatically qualify to apply for a visa. Those relatives who do not qualify under either category include:
- Aunts and uncles;
- Nieces and nephews;
- Grandparents;
- Cousins;
- In-laws; and
- Any other extended family members
Contact Elkhart Family-Based Immigration Lawyers
If you need assistance with bringing a family member to the United States, you need to speak with skilled Elkhart family-based immigration lawyers who can assist with the process. Contact our knowledgeable team of attorneys at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC today to schedule a consultation.
Great work from Brittni Rivera, extremely professional. I highly recommend to go with them especially for U visa cases.
Both Jake, who has since relocated, and Lauren (current) are a saving grace to those who they’ve helped. Lauren, who I am working with currently, cannot be more attentive, understanding, and humble in the work and reassurance she gives you. She never makes you feel like you are any less due to your circumstance, she speaks to you more humanely and with compassion more than even a friend or family may. If you’re in the market for an attorney that cares, does her best to accommodate your circumstance and limitations while working your case, I can not recommend enough Lauren.…
Very intelligent, very much helpful, and always answer any question in your mind. Always immediate replies to my questions. Very much trustful. Thank u very much.
Simply put, I shouldn't be here. I had a really complex immigration case and all the firms that we consulted with told us that I virtually had no chance of staying here in the United States for my son. All except Kriezelman Burton.