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Family Based

Family-based visas allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor close relatives for immigration to the United States, helping to reunite families. This process can be complex, as it involves proving family relationships and meeting specific eligibility criteria. Whether sponsoring a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, it’s important to navigate the legal requirements carefully. Our team is here to guide you through each step of the family visa process, ensuring a smoother, more efficient experience from start to finish.

Family-based immigrant visas are divided into preference categories and priority dates, determining when individuals can apply for U.S. residency based on their relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident:

  • First Preference: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (over 21).
  • Second Preference: Spouses and children under 21 of U.S. permanent residents, and unmarried sons and daughters over 21.
  • Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
  • Fourth Preference: Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is over 21).

Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, children) of U.S. citizens are not subject to these categories and can apply immediately. The process can be complex, but our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Fiancé Visa: What Is a K-1 Visa?

The K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. This visa allows the foreign fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry their U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. After marriage, the foreign fiancé(e) can apply for a change of status to become a permanent resident (LPR) through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

While the K-1 visa grants the holder the ability to immigrate to the U.S. and marry their U.S. citizen partner, it also requires meeting some immigrant visa qualifications. Additionally, children of K-1 visa holders may be eligible for K-2 visas, allowing them to join their parents in the U.S.

What Is a "Fiancé(e)"?

In U.S. immigration law, a fiancé(e) is a foreign citizen who has been approved for the K-1 visa following the filing of Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) by their U.S. citizen partner. The K-1 visa allows the foreign fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. to marry the U.S. citizen sponsor.

To qualify, both the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé(e) must be legally free to marry at the time of the petition’s submission, and the marriage must be legally recognized in the state where it will occur. Additionally, the foreign fiancé(e) and U.S. citizen must have met in person within the last two years, though exceptions can be made in certain circumstances—such as extreme hardship for the U.S. citizen or cultural practices that prevent a pre-marriage meeting.

We're Here to Help Every Step of the Way

Navigating the K-1 visa process can be complex, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team is here to guide you through every step—from the initial petition to the final approval. We’re committed to helping make your journey to be with your loved one as smooth and stress-free as possible.