FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION

Family-based immigration is one of the most common reasons clients solicit our legal expertise. Solow, Hartnett and Galvan’s attorneys have vast experience with the family-based immigration process. Solow, Hartnett and Galvan can help you file for adjustment of status, file to have the conditions of permanent residence removed, and represent individuals who are victims of domestic violence self-petition for immigration benefits in the United States.

Green Card for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizen 

If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you can become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) based on your family relationship if you meet certain eligibility requirements.

You are 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; or
• The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).

Family Visa Preference Categories

Other family members eligible to apply for a Green Card are described in the following family “preference immigrant” categories:

• First preference (F1) – unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens;
• Second preference (F2A) – spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents;
• Second preference (F2B) – unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents;
• Third preference (F3) – married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and
• Fourth preference (F4) – brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older).

If you are considering applying to immigrate in a family-based category, it is important that you contact us to discuss your circumstances. Please keep the following factors in mind:

• All applicants immigrating through the family-based category must obtain a legally binding Affidavit of Support from their sponsor as a condition of admission.
• Your sponsor must be: at least 18 years of age;  a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; living in the United States; and able to financially support the family member being sponsored. In some circumstances, a joint sponsor may be utilized.
• All applicants, regardless of age, must undergo a medical examination by a designated doctor before an immigrant visa can be issued. This is compulsory.

As with our other services, we strive to provide our family-based immigration clients with cost-effective, honest representation. One of the benefits of utilizing our firm’s services to complete the family-based immigration process is knowing that our attorneys will appraise you of the areas in your case that require particular attention, communicate with you during the course of your process, and prepare you so that when you or your relatives appear before a USCIS or Consular Officer, your interview will proceed as smoothly as possible. No attorney can or ever should predict results or guarantee success in an immigration matter, but the attorneys of Solow, Hartnett and Galvan assure you that with us as your partners in the immigration process, you will be well prepared to present an approvable case to USCIS or the Department of State.