Family & Visas

Immigrating to the United States is common when a family member is a citizen or legal permanent resident. USCIS gives priority to immediate relatives of US citizens (USC), including spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents. Other family members may be eligible for a visa, but waits are often long as there are limits on the number of visas issued each year. Unmarried children over 21 of USCs, spouses and children of legal permanent residents (LPRs), unmarried children over 21 of LPRs, married children of USCs, and siblings of USCs may be eligible if they meet stringent criteria.

Additionally, there are visas available to non-citizen fiancés of US Citizens, called K-1 visas. A USC may petition USCIS for a K-1 visa for their fiancé (and minor children if applicable) if they meet certain criteria. Receiving a K-1 visa hinges on the parties marrying within 90 days of the non-citizen’s arrival to the United States.

The process for obtaining a visa or green card via a qualified family relationship can be long and complicated. There are often many steps and strict requirements. The team at Smith Immigration is well versed in family immigration and will do everything in their power to reunite families in the United States. Call us today if you’re looking to get a green card for yourself or a family member via qualifying relationships.