Family-Based Immigration
Reunite your family in the United States with our immigration lawyers’ help
Family-Based Immigration Attorney
How Can I Bring My Family Members To The United States?
If you are a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may be able to bring certain family members to the U.S. through a family-based immigration process, allowing your loved ones the chance to reside and thrive in the country. This typically involves applying for an immigrant visa, which is a crucial step in enabling your relative to become a lawful permanent resident and enjoy the rights and privileges associated with that status.
Jing (Linda) Lin is dedicated to working directly with individuals and families, providing guidance and support as they navigate the often complex family-based immigration process. She assists with preparing applications, gathering the required documentation, and understanding the various procedural requirements that are essential for success.
By working closely with you at every stage, Law Office of Linda J. Lin, P.C. ensures that the process is handled with care and attention to detail. This personalized approach helps to alleviate the stresses commonly associated with immigration proceedings, ultimately giving your loved ones the opportunity to build their lives and pursue their dreams in the United States.
Call Law Office of Linda J. Lin, P.C. at 888-209-3566 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
Keep Your Family Together
If you are seeking to reunite with your family in the United States, you may be eligible for a family-based immigrant visa through a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Understanding which category applies to your situation is an important first step in the process.
I work with individuals and families to pursue family-based immigration options, including visas for spouses, children, parents, and other qualifying relatives. I also assist clients seeking immigration benefits as a fiancé(e), the child of a fiancé(e), a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen, or under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). No matter how complex your situation may seem, I guide you through each stage of the process from beginning to end.
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
You may be considered an immediate relative if you are:
- The spouse of a U.S. citizen
- The unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen
- The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)
Family Preference Categories
Other qualifying family members may be eligible for permanent residence under the family preference immigrant categories, which are subject to annual limits and waiting periods:
- First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age or older) of U.S. citizens
- Second Preference (F2A): Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents
- Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents
- Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)
Because eligibility and wait times vary by category and individual circumstances, speaking with an experienced immigration attorney can help you understand your options and next steps.
Which Family Members Are Eligible to Apply for a Green Card?
U.S. immigration law recognizes two main categories of family members who may qualify for family-based immigration: immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and preference relatives.
Immediate relatives include a U.S. citizen’s spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents, as long as the U.S. citizen petitioner is at least 21 years old. These cases are not subject to annual visa limits.
Preference relatives fall into several categories with specific eligibility requirements and waiting periods. These categories include adult unmarried children of U.S. citizens, spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents, married children of U.S. citizens, and siblings of U.S. citizens when the petitioner is at least 21 years old.
Fiancés of U.S. citizens may qualify for a separate nonimmigrant fiancé visa. This process allows the fiancé to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage, provided the marriage takes place within 90 days of arrival.
Jing (Linda) Lin helps clients understand which family-based option may apply to their situation and guides them through the required steps and documentation.
Scheduling a consultation can help ensure the process is handled carefully from the beginning.
How Long Will My Family Members Need to Wait?
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to annual visa limits and generally do not face long waiting periods. Preference relatives, however, are subject to numerical limits and country-specific quotas, which can result in significant delays before a visa becomes available.
Because preference-based petitions are processed according to their filing date, submitting the petition as early as possible is often important. For applicants from countries with high demand, wait times can extend for several years. Understanding how priority dates and visa availability work can be challenging without guidance.
Jing (Linda) Lin helps clients evaluate timing considerations and begin the family-based immigration process in a timely and organized manner. Contact Law Office of Linda J. Lin, P.C. to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
Need Help With Immigration Matters?
Call The Law Office of Linda J. Lin, P.C. at 888-209-3566 today to get trusted guidance from an experienced immigration attorney who understands the complexities of U.S. immigration law.
