FAMILY IMMIGRATION

Your status in the United States determines which relatives (or future relatives) may be eligible to receive immigration benefits thru you and whether there is a waiting time for a visa number to become available. The person may be in the United States or outside. Petitioning for family members should be done thru an experienced immigration attorney since there are many prerequisites that may affect your petition.

If You Are A U.S. Citizen You May Petition For A:

  • Spouse – No visa number wait time once the petition is filed.
  • Children – No visa number wait time once the petition is filed.
  • Sons & Daughters (includes their spouse and children also if applicable) – Must wait till a visa number becomes available once the petition is filed.
  • Parents (if you are 21 or over) – No visa number wait time once the petition is filed.
  • Siblings (if you are 21 or over, includes their spouse and children) – Must wait till a visa number becomes available once the petition is filed.
  • Fiancé & Their Children (children under 21 and unmarried, if you are 21 or over) – No visa number wait time once the petition is filed. This visa is only good for 90 days in order for the petitioner and fiancé to have time to get married. Once married the new spouse applies for permanent residence.

If You Are A Permanent Resident You May Petition For A:

  • Spouse – Must wait till a visa number becomes available once the petition is filed.
  • Unmarried Children Under 21 – Must wait till a visa number becomes available once the petition is filed.
  • Unmarried Son or Daughter of Any Age – Must wait till a visa number becomes available once the petition is filed.

Note: Once the petition filed by a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident is approved, the person being petitioned for becomes a Permanent Resident.

If You Are A Refugee Or Asylee You May Petition For A:

  • Spouse – No visa number wait time once the petition is filed.
  • Children (unmarried and under 21 when you first applied for asylum or refugee status) – No visa number wait time once the petition is filed.

Note: Once a Refugee or Asylee petition gets approved then the person being petitioned for obtains a derivative Refugee or Asylee status. The term Children is used for a child unmarried and under 21. The term Son & Daughter is used for a Son or Daughter which is married any age or unmarried 21 and over.