Dallas Family Immigration Lawyer
Guiding Families Through The Immigration Process Nationwide
If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you can sponsor certain types of relatives for green cards in Dallas. These visas confer lawful permanent residency and allow your loved ones to live and work in the United States.
Our immigration lawyer is an immigrant herself and has been in your shoes. The family-based immigration sponsorship process can be frustratingly complex, but our experienced legal team at The Law Office of Yovanna Vargas is here to help.
Our Dallas family-based immigration lawyer will guide you every step of the way and give your immigration case the sophisticated attention it deserves. We know how to navigate these matters effectively and will work to secure the green cards your loved ones need to live their American Dreams.
Call the Law Office of Yovanna Vargas today at (214) 974-3793 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our family immigration attorney in Dallas!
Who Is Eligible for Family-Based Immigration?
As a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen, your ability to sponsor family members for green cards depends on the type of relationship and their immigration category. Here's who is eligible and what you need to know:
For Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders):
- You can sponsor your spouse.
- You can sponsor unmarried children under the age of 21.
For U.S. Citizens:
- Citizens can sponsor spouses, siblings, parents, and children, regardless of age or marital status.
However, you cannot sponsor:
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
- Cousins
- Uncles
- Aunts
- Other more distant relatives
Family-Based Immigration Categories
Family members eligible for green card sponsorship fall into two categories:
Immediate Relatives (Priority Category):
- Includes spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
- No annual limit on visas for immediate relatives.
- No waiting for green cards once petitions are approved.
Family Preference Relatives:
- Includes spouses and children of lawful permanent residents.
- Limited annual visas available.
- Expect potential delays due to visa number availability.
- Wait times can vary based on the relationship and country of origin.
Family-based immigration can be complex, with varying waiting periods and eligibility criteria. Consulting a Dallas family-based immigration attorney is essential to understanding your specific circumstances and what to anticipate during the process.
The Family-Based Immigration Application Process
When you are ready to sponsor a loved one for a green card, you must submit the appropriate immigration application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The documentation included in your request will establish that a qualifying family relationship exists under the immediate relative or family preference relative category.
USCIS will review your application and confirm the existence of a family relationship. It can often take up to 12 months for USCIS to approve a family sponsorship petition. If your family member is an immediate relative, they can proceed to the next step as soon as USCIS approves your request. If your loved one is a family preference relative, they must wait until a visa is available before moving forward.
With USCIS approval, your loved one will need to apply for their green card through an adjustment of status or consular processing. If they are already in the United States on another visa, they can use it to adjust their status to lawful permanent residents. They will go through their home country’s U.S. embassy or consular office to complete consular processing if they are located abroad. We can assist you at each stage and help you and your loved one complete all applicable immigration paperwork.
Once your family member completes consular processing or secures an adjustment of status, they will receive their green card and become a lawful permanent resident. They can enter the United States, live anywhere, and work almost any job. Your loved one may be able to naturalize and become a permanent citizen after they live in the U.S. for several years as a lawful permanent resident and meet other eligibility requirements.
Removing Conditions From a Marriage Green Card
If you sponsor your spouse and receive their visa before you have been married for at least two years, they will receive a “conditional” green card. A conditional green card is valid for only two years, and you and your spouse must take steps to “remove conditions” before it expires.
To remove conditions, you must submit a request to USCIS in the 90-day window before your spouse’s conditional green card is set to expire. USCIS remains wary of marriage fraud, so you will need to include additional immigration documentation that demonstrates the legitimacy of your evolving marriage. You may also need to participate in an additional in-person interview with a USCIS official. You can also remain in the U.S. while your immigration application is processed.
If USCIS approves your petition, your spouse will receive a new green card valid for ten years. These non-conditional green cards can be renewed more easily. Our Dallas family-based immigration lawyer is prepared to help you remove conditions and manage any other obstacles when seeking lawful permanent residency for your loved ones.
Contact Our Dallas Family Immigration Attorney Today
In the pursuit of reuniting families and realizing the American Dream, the path of family-based immigration in Dallas can be intricate and emotionally charged. At The Law Office of Yovanna Vargas, we understand the complexities and emotions involved in the immigration process because we've been there ourselves as immigrants.
As your dedicated Dallas family-based immigration lawyer, we're committed to guiding you every step of the way, providing the tailored and sophisticated attention your case deserves. Whether you are a U.S. citizen seeking to sponsor a spouse, sibling, parent, child, or a lawful permanent resident aiming to bring your loved ones to the United States, our experienced legal team is here to help.
Contact the Law Office of Yovanna Vargas today to schedule a consultation with our family immigration lawyer in Dallas!
