Reuniting with family in the United States is a common goal for many people, and the U.S. immigration system offers several different visa options for achieving this goal with family reunion visas. However, the process can be complex and confusing, with different criteria and requirements for each type of visa. Understanding the different visa options available is the first step in reuniting with your loved ones in the United States.
What do you need to Know About Family Reunion Visas in the USA?
Reuniting with loved ones is a special moment that many of us cherish. If you have family members living in the USA, you may be considering applying for a family reunion visa to join them. However, navigating the complex family visas application process can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the requirements and procedures involved.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to family reunion visas in the USA. We will cover everything you need to know to increase your chances of success, from eligibility criteria and documentation requirements to processing times and expert tips. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of family reunion visas in the USA!
Family-based immigration:
This is the most common way for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor their family members for immigration. The U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident is considered the “sponsor,” and the family member is considered the “beneficiary.” Family-based immigration has several different categories, including immediate relatives, family preference categories, and fiancé visas.
Immediate relatives are the spouse, children (under 21 years of age), and parents of U.S. citizens. These family members do not have to wait in line for a visa, as there are no numerical limits or quotas on the number of visas that can be issued.
Family visa preference categories are for family members who are not considered immediate relatives. These categories include adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens, as well as married children and brothers and sisters of legal permanent residents. There are annual quotas on the number of visas that can be issued in these categories, so the waiting times can be long.
Fiancé visas (K-1) are for the fiancé of a U.S. citizen, who is coming to the United States to get married. This visa allows the fiancé to enter the United States for 90 days, during which time the marriage must take place. After the marriage, the fiancé can apply for adjustment of status to become a legal permanent resident.
Humanitarian Parole:
This is a discretionary form of relief that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States, who would otherwise be ineligible. Humanitarian Parole is typically granted on a case-by-case basis and is intended to be used in emergency situations or for compelling humanitarian reasons.
Asylum and refugee status:
This type of visa is for individuals who are fleeing persecution or fear of persecution in their home country based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The process for obtaining asylum or refugee status can be lengthy and complex, and it is important to have legal representation to ensure the best chance of success.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS):
This is a form of temporary relief for individuals from certain countries who are unable to return to their home country due to ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. TPS is granted to individuals who are already in the United States and is not a path to permanent residency.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):
This program is for certain individuals who came to the United States as children and meet certain criteria. DACA recipients are given a two-year period of deferred action from deportation and are eligible to apply for work authorization.
Get the help of a Florida Immigration Lawyer
In conclusion, understanding the different family visa options available is the first step in reuniting with your family in the United States. Each type of visa has its own criteria and requirements, and the process can be complex and confusing. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney to determine the best course of action. Remember that the process can take a long time and it’s important to have patience and to gather all the necessary documents, and be aware of the costs associated with the process.
