The process of immigrating to the United States isn’t always simple, but it can be easier if you have an American family member who sponsors you and your family members in the country legally through what’s called family immigration.
Here are five things to know about this process to help your case along the way.
1. Do Your Research
Learning about how each case is handled by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or its predecessor agency, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), is essential.
Each situation will be different depending on your family’s situation, but doing your research may help you predict what kind of questions you’ll be asked so you can make sure that all needed documents are in order for a smooth submission.
2. Get the Help of an Experienced Lawyer
Often times immigrants will reach out to lawyers before they’ve even decided if they have a case or not. First, you should seek out information from trusted and reliable sources on your own.
Online forums are a great place to start. And make sure you know what stage of immigration you’re in – this could make a difference in whether or not it’s worth hiring an attorney for your case.
The more informed you are about your options before going into a meeting with a lawyer, the better off you’ll be down the road.
3. Gather All the Required Documents
The most important thing for a family immigration case is for you and your family members to have a clear understanding of what type of visa you’re eligible for. The next step will be gathering documents.
You’ll need several different types, depending on your specific situation: passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses and divorce decrees (if applicable), school records, and medical reports are just some examples. Make sure you gather all these things before meeting with an attorney.
If they’re already familiar with your situation when they review everything, it could save them time in determining how to proceed with your case.
4. Get Ready for the Interview
If you’re petitioning for a family member, chances are you’ll be interviewed. While there are numerous ways to prepare for an interview, one way is by simply talking about it with your children, spouse, or partner, with friends and family.
An immigration officer doesn’t want to see a lot of nervous fidgeting; rather, they want to see someone who is comfortable in their own skin and has taken ownership of their application(s).
5. Understand the Requirements of the K-1 Fiancé Visa
If you want to bring your fiancé from abroad, you’ll need a fiancé visa. The U.S. Department of State determines who qualifies for a K-1 visa and if your relationship is bona fide, meaning it’s not fraudulent or just an immigration scam.
The K-1 visa requires that you and your partner plan to marry within 90 days of arriving in the US; all applicants must prove they have met in person at least once within two years before applying.
Once you get married, your spouse can apply for permanent residency status.
Conclusion
Overall, these five family immigration tips are designed to help make sure your case is as strong as possible when you present it.
If you have any questions about immigration to the US for family members, click here to get detailed information about your specific case.
