We Offer A Broad Range Of Family-Based Immigration Options

Family-based immigration allows you to bring members of your family from other countries to the U.S. It is one of the primary avenues for immigration into the U.S. However, it is a complex process that requires considerable legal advice.

At Robert M. Bell, P.A., we are attorneys and immigration professionals serving people across South Florida from our Hollywood office. Everyone in our office is bilingual, and we work closely with clients who are facing any of the most pressing issues in immigration law. Our family-based services center on answering your questions and resolving your problems.

A Brief Overview Of Family-Based Immigration

The first hurdle of any family-based immigration process is eligibility, which relies on familial proximity. Primarily, close family relations who are eligible for visas include:

• Spouses: An important requirement of marriage-based green cards and visa options is proof of a bona fide relationship.
• Fiancé(e)s: There is, among other requirements for fiancé(e) visas, a condition of marriage within 90 days of relocation.
• Parents: Bringing parents may require documentation and proof of their financial independence from the U.S. government.
• Children: Any children you had prior to moving to the U.S. or children you adopted overseas may need immigration law intervention.
• Siblings: If you have siblings in any circumstances – half-siblings, step-siblings, siblings by adoption – then you may have the opportunity to sponsor them as a U.S. citizen.

Eligibility, however, is only the first step in what can be an exceedingly complicated application process.

What Is The Application Process?

The application process is how your family member will explain their reasoning and need to move to the U.S. to the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS). The process can be broadly described as follows:

• Filing paperwork: This includes filing the initial Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, as well as filling out any other important forms, such as affidavits of support, and online applications. There are also many fees associated, which you must pay.
• Securing vital documents: Between birth certificates, proof of residency and financial statements, there’s a lot of information to secure. Compiling and coordinating the delivery of this information is not easy.
• Interviewing: Every person who seeks a green card will go through the interview process. This is a fact-finding session, and it can be extremely high stress. These interviews could conceivably happen while the individual is in their home country, which is called “consular processing.”

Another consideration is your family member’s location during the visa process. If they are in their home county, then they’ll go through consular processing. If they’re in the U.S., then you may have to pursue a change in status, which is a complicated procedure.

Additionally, in any immigration effort, managing the priority dates and visa bulletins is vital, as deadlines change from year to year or even month to month, depending on circumstances.

We’ll Guide You Through This

Considering all the difficulties and factors involved, it’s understandable that you might feel intimidated by family immigration challenges. But you aren’t alone when you turn to us. We are all bilingual, and we’ll be dedicated to solving your immigration problems. Call 954-400-3156 or send an email to get started.