The Law Office of Jesse K. Sanchez understands the importance of family. We are dedicated to helping families in Indianapolis navigate the complexities of family-based immigration and achieve their dreams of reunification.
Whether you are a U.S. citizen seeking to sponsor a loved one, or a foreign national hoping to join family in the United States, our experienced immigration attorney can guide you through every step of the process.
What is Family-Based Immigration?
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain close relatives for permanent residency (green cards) in the United States. Once a green card is obtained, your family member can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
Benefits of Family-Based Immigration
If you are considering legal action to obtain legal citizenship, you have likely seen and heard of a dozen different ways to go about it. Family-based immigration offers numerous benefits, including:
- Reuniting families: This process allows U.S. citizens and green card holders to live permanently with their close family members in the United States.
- Building a life in the U.S.: Family members who obtain green cards are authorized to work, travel freely within the U.S., and access educational opportunities.
- A path to citizenship: Green card holders can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship, allowing them to vote, hold certain government jobs, and enjoy all the benefits of being a U.S. citizen.
Types of Family-Based Immigration Cases We Handle
The Law Office of Jesse K. Sanchez assists clients with a variety of family-based immigration cases, including:
Petitions for Immediate Relatives
U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouse, unmarried children under 21 years old, and parents for immediate green cards without any wait times.
Petitions for Preference Relatives
This category includes adult children of U.S. citizens, married children of U.S. citizens, siblings of U.S. citizens, and certain other relatives. Wait times for green cards in this category can vary depending on the visa category and the home country of the sponsored family member.
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
The K-1 fiancé(e) visa is a popular option for U.S. citizens who are engaged to marry a foreign national. This visa allows your fiancé(e) to travel to the United States for the specific purpose of getting married within 90 days of arrival.
Here at The Law Office of Jesse K. Sanchez, we understand the excitement and complexities of international relationships, and we're here to guide you through the K-1 visa process smoothly and efficiently.
K-3 Visa for Spouses of U.S. Citizens
The K-3 visa is a unique visa category designed specifically for the spouses of U.S. citizens who are actively serving in the military overseas. This visa allows you to join your U.S. citizen spouse and live together in the United States while your green card application (Form I-130) is pending.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Petitions
This program offers a path to green cards for immigrants who have been victims of domestic violence perpetrated by a U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse or parent.
Adjustment of Status
Once your family member's green card petition (Form I-130) is approved by USCIS, the next step is typically to apply for Adjustment of Status. This process allows your eligible family member to obtain their green card without having to leave the United States and return to their home country for consular processing
The Family-Based Immigration Process
The family-based immigration process can be complex and involve multiple steps. Our experienced attorney can guide you through each stage, including:
- Consultation: We will discuss your family situation, your immigration goals, and the specific type of visa you may be eligible for.
- Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: This form is the first step in sponsoring a family member for a green card. We will help you gather the necessary documentation and ensure the petition is properly completed.
- Priority Date and Visa Availability: Once USCIS approves Form I-130, a priority date is established. This date determines your place in line for a visa. We can help you understand visa availability and potential wait times.
- National Visa Center Processing (if applicable): For certain visa categories, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. We will guide you through this stage and ensure all required documents are submitted to the NVC.
- Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status: Depending on the visa category, the process may involve an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, or an adjustment of status application if the family member is already in the U.S. legally.
- Green Card Interview and Issuance: Once all requirements are met, your family member will attend a final interview with a USCIS officer. Our attorney can prepare your family member for this interview and represent them if necessary. Upon successful completion of the interview, the green card will be issued.
Why Choose The Law Office of Jesse K. Sanchez for Your Family-Based Immigration Case?
The Law Office of Jesse K. Sanchez is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for families seeking reunification in Indianapolis. If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder seeking to sponsor a loved one, or a foreign national hoping to join family in Indianapolis, contact The Law Office of Jesse K. Sanchez today.
We offer a consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. Let us help you navigate the family-based immigration process and reunite with your loved ones.
