For Kentucky families who currently have some family members living in another country, reunification may be a very important goal. If you hope to bring some of your relatives to the safety and security of the United States or you hope to get your loved ones permission to enter or stay in the United States, it is helpful to understand the basics of family-based immigration visas. This can be a practical first step in helping you accomplish your goals.
There are two distinct types of family-based visas. The right one for your unique situation mostly depends on what family member hopes to reside in the country. The idea of walking through the visa application process may seem daunting to you, but you do not have to walk through it alone. Many people find it helpful to have legal guidance as they traverse the complexities of immigration law concerns and deal with potential setbacks.
Visas for immediate relatives
Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas are for those who are close relatives to a United States citizen. In most cases, these visas are for people who are the spouse, child or parent of a citizen. Orphans already adopted by U.S. citizens or those about to be adopted by a U.S. citizen may also apply. The U.S. government does not limit the number visas of this specific type it grants each year.
Visas for more distant relatives
Family Preference Immigrant Visas are for people who are more distant relatives of U.S. citizens. This may include unmarried adult children of citizens and their children as well. This is also an option for adult children, siblings and close or immediate relatives of legal permanent residents. There is a limited number of these types of visas granted by the government each year.
Avoiding setbacks
Immigration law is complex. Laws are constantly changing, and it is not always easy to understand the options available to you. One of the most practical ways to avoid setbacks is to seek the guidance and support of an experienced immigration law attorney from the very beginning of the process.
Before you move forward, you may want to seek a complete evaluation of your case. If the reunification of your extended family is your goal or you have specific immigration concerns you want to address, you want results in a timely and efficient manner. When you have the right guidance, you can avoid unexpected costs and other setbacks that can keep you from your ultimate immigration goals.
