San Francisco Immediate Relative Visa Attorneys

Guidance on Immediate Relative Visa Applications in San Francisco, CA

Immediate Relative visas are a category of family-based immigration visas that allow certain close family members of U.S. citizens to live and work in the United States. Upon approval for immigrant visas, these family members can also receive Green Cards that will ensure that they can live in the U.S. permanently. Immediate Relative (IR) visas are given priority by U.S. immigration law and do not have numerical limits, meaning there are no annual caps on the number of these visas that can be issued. Understanding the application process and the eligibility criteria is essential for families who are hoping to reunite in the United States. The immigration attorneys at Hafey & Karim can help families understand the Immediate Relative visa application process, the eligibility requirements that will apply to them, and the best ways to address any legal issues that they may encounter.

Family Members Who Are Eligible for Immediate Relative Visas

Immediate Relative visas are usually immediately available to the following close relatives of U.S. citizens:

• Spouses: A U.S. citizen can apply for a visa for their spouse. If a couple has been married for two years or more, the spouse will be eligible for an IR-1 visa and a Green Card. If the marriage is less than two years old when a visa application is filed, the spouse will be eligible for a CR-1 visa and a conditional Green Card that will be valid for two years. The couple will need to apply to remove the conditions on the foreign spouse's permanent residence before the conditional Green Card expires.
• Children: U.S. citizens can sponsor their children for IR visas, as long as the children are not married and are under the age of 21.
• Parents: A U.S. citizen who is 21 years old or more can sponsor their mother and father for an IR visa.

Requirements for Applying for Immediate Relative Visas

The criteria that apply to immigrants and their sponsors when applying for IR visas include:

• Relationship proof: The petitioner must provide proof of their relationship with the family member they are sponsoring. A person may submit a copy of a marriage certificate showing that they are legally married to a foreign spouse. Birth certificates or other documentation may be used to demonstrate relationships between parents and children.
• Affidavit of Support: The petitioner must submit this document, which will demonstrate they can financially support the family member they are sponsoring. The affidavit will also serve as a commitment by the sponsor to provide for the immigrant family member's financial needs and ensure that they will not become reliant on government benefits.
• Eligibility of beneficiary: The foreign family member must not be inadmissible to the United States. Grounds for inadmissibility include certain criminal convictions, health-related issues, and previous immigration violations. If an immigrant has been deemed inadmissible, they may be able to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility based on grounds such as extreme hardship for a family member in the United States or other factors.

How an Immigration Attorney at Hafey & Karim Can Help With IR Visa Applications

Navigating the complexities of visa applications can be overwhelming. At Hafey & Karim, we provide valuable assistance to U.S. citizens and their family members during this process. We can help in the following ways:

• Comprehensive evaluation: We can review a family's circumstances to ensure that they will qualify for an Immediate Relative visa. If necessary, we can help family members understand what steps they can take to apply for Family Preference visas or other types of visas.
• Documentation: Our lawyers can help gather and organize all of the documents that will need to be submitted during the application process. We will work to ensure that all forms and documents are complete and accurate and that they will be submitted correctly during the appropriate timeframes.
• Interview preparation: Our attorneys can help prepare for visa interviews, providing guidance on how to respond to questions and present evidence effectively.
• Legal representation: If any issues arise during the process, we can advocate on behalf of family members, demonstrating that they have met their legal requirements and showing why they deserve to receive visas and Green Cards.
• Ongoing support: After a visa is issued, we can continue to provide support as needed, including assisting with adjustment of status or applying for citizenship.

Contact Our San Francisco, CA and Dallas, TX Immediate Relative Visa Lawyers

The experienced attorneys at Hafey & Karim are ready to help you and your family apply for visas and Green Cards. We understand the importance of family, and we are dedicated to helping you navigate the immigration process with confidence. Our team is fluent in English and Bengali, and we also work with translators to provide services for those who speak Spanish, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi. We encourage you to contact us to arrange a free consultation and get experienced, compassionate legal help with your immigration concerns.