Family-based immigration is a process that allows United states citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to immigrate to United states and obtain green Card. This allows eligible family members to reunite with their loved ones. Family-based petitions typically involve sponsoring spouses, Children, parents and siblings for immigrate to the United States. To sponsor a family member, the sponsor must meet certain eligibility criteria and demonstrate the relationship with the intended immigrant family member.

The process involves the petitioner submitting a petition on behalf of the family member to the United States citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS). If the petition is approved, the family member may be eligible to apply for an immigration visa or adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident.

Family -based immigration Falls into two main categories.

1.  Immediate Relatives: Spouses of US citizens, unmarried children under 21 years old of US citizens, and parents of US citizens (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old) are considered immediate relatives and have priority in the family-based immigration process. Immediate relative visas are not subjected to numerical limitations, which means that there are an unlimited number of visas available each year. Immediate relative visas typically processed faster than Family preference categories.
2. Family Preference Categories: These categories include unmarried sons and daughters (over 21 years old) of US citizens, spouses, and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of permanent residents, married sons and daughters of US citizens, and brothers and sisters of US citizens.

Here’s a breakdown of these limited family preference categories:

• F1 (First Preference): This category is for unmarried adult sons and daughters (21 years or older) of US citizens.
• F2 (Second Preference): This category is for spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents. It is further split into two categories:
• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) permanent residents.
• F2B: Unmarried adult sons and daughters (21 years or older) of permanent residents.
• F3 (Third Preference): This category is for married sons and daughters of US citizens.
• F4 (Fourth Preference): This category is for brothers and sisters of US citizens, provided the petitioner is at least 21 years old.

Unlike immediate relative visas, family preference visas are subject to annual numerical limitation, which can result in longer waiting time for visa processing. Family preference visas are processed based on the priority date, which is the date form I-130, petition for Alien Relative, is filed with U. S Citizenship and immigration Services (USCIS). Wait time for the family preference visa can vary depending on the family relationship and the country of origin of the beneficiary.

Are you ready to bring your Family together in the United States of America? Immigration Express specializes in Family based petitions and, is here to guide you navigate the family-based immigration application process smoothly.

K-1 visa, also known as Finance Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign national fiancée of a United State citizens to travel to the United States for the purpose of getting married In the United States. The fiancé visa is designed to give the couples the opportunity to marry within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage take place, the foreign national spouse can apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) to remain in the United States.

Key steps involved in fiancée visa process

Petition: The US Citizen must file form I-129, petition for Alien fiancé, with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) This petition establishes the relationship and intention to marry within 90 days of the fiancée entering the U.S

Processing: Once the petition is approved by USCIS, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC)

Visa application: Finance completes a visa application, attends an interview at the US embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancée’s home country

Entry to the U.S If the Visa is approved, the Fiancée can travel to The US to marry the US Citizen petitioner within 90 days.

Adjustment of status: After marriage the foreign national Spouse can apply for lawful permanent residents Status by filing form I-485, application to register permanent residence or Adjust status.

The Fiancée visa process can be complex, and it is crucial to ensure all requirements are met to avoid delays or denial of visa.

Adjustment of status is the process by which an individual already in the United States can apply to change their nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent resident status without having to leave the country. This means that the individual may get a Green Card without having to return to your home country to complete visa processing.

To file an adjustment of status application, the intending immigrant must meet three fundamental requirements.

1. Be physically present inside the United States. You must be inside the United States when the adjustment of status application is filed (and will need to complete the process inside the U.S.).
2. Have made a lawful entry into the United States. Lawful entry means that you were admitted or paroled into the U.S. For most people, this means that you entered the U.S. with valid documentation and made face to face contact with a U.S. immigration officer, and that officer acknowledged your entry to the United States. If you entered with a valid visa, but that visa has since expired, you still had a lawful entry.
3. Have an immigrant visa immediately available to you. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may file the adjustment of status application together with the I-130 petition. That’s because a visa is always available. However, family preference applicants must make sure a visa is available. Their category must be “current” in the visa bulletin before filing Form I-485.

It’s also important that the intending immigrant maintain eligibility throughout the adjustment process Changes in the Circumstance can affect the success of an adjustment application. Only a very limited group of people can adjust their status. That’s why adjustment is generally only used by some immediate relatives, spouses that entered as K-1 fiancés, asylees, refugees, or those who arrived on an employment visa (e.g. H-1B) and the employer sponsored them for a green card.

In short, to qualify for adjustment of status, you must meet the following requirements:

• Eligibility Category: you must fall into a specific immigrant category that allows for adjustment of status, such as family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, refugee or asylee status, diversity visa lottery wines or other special categories.
• Inspection and Admission or parole: You must have entered the U.S. with inspection and were admitted or paroled by an immigration officer.
• Eligibility to receive an Immigrant immigration Visa: You must have an approved immigrant petition (form 1-130, I-140, etc.) filed on your behalf by a qualifying relative or employer.
• Priority Date: If applicable, you must have a current priority date based on the Visa bulletin published by the Department of State.
• Continuous U.S Residence: You must have maintained lawful immigration status in the U.S and have not engaged in unauthorized employment or other activities that would make you ineligible for adjustment of status.
• Admissibility: You must be admissible to the U.S, which includes not having certain criminal convictions, Immigration violations, health related issues, or other grounds of inadmissibility.
• Availability of Visa numbers: there must be an immigrant visa number available for your category, based on the annual numerical limits set by the government.

It’s important to carefully follow the instructions provided by USCIS, submit accurate and complete documentation, and meet all deadlines during the Adjustment of Status process. Seeking guidance from an experienced professional can help you navigate this process smoothly and address any specific concerns related to your case.

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act Individuals aged 18 or older seeking to become a citizen of the United States may apply for naturalization by filing an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400. To be eligible for naturalization, an applicant must fulfill certain eligibility requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

These general eligibility requirements specify that the applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years of age old.
• Show that you are a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States.
• Have resided in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years.
• Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months.
• Be a person of good moral character.
• Be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language.
• Have and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States.
• Demonstrate attachment to the principles of the Constitution and be well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States; and,
• Be willing and able to take the Oath of Allegiance.
  Special naturalization provisions exempt certain applicants from one or more of the general requirements for naturalization. Spouses of U.S. citizens and members of the military constitute the main categories of aliens who are exempt from some of the general requirements for naturalization. These exemptions include:
• Spouses of U.S. citizens may be eligible to apply for naturalization three years after being admitted as lawful permanent residents, rather than the five years prescribed under the general provisions.
• Spouses of U.S. citizens stationed abroad may not be required to meet general residence or physical presence requirements.
• Members of the military who served honorably during certain periods of conflict may be eligible for naturalization even though they have not been admitted as lawful permanent residents and even if they are under the age of 18; or
• Members of the military who served honorably for at least one year, at any time, and apply for naturalization within a certain time after their military service, are also exempt from the general residence and physical presence requirements

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes to self-petition for lawful permanent residency in the United States without the abuser’s knowledge or involvement. Although the act is called the Violence Against Women Act, it protects to men and women equally.

Here is a general outline of the VAWA application process:

1. Eligibility – You must be a victim of domestic violence, abuse, or certain other crimes committed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. – You must be able to demonstrate a qualifying relationship with the abuser. – You must meet other eligibility criteria specified under VAWA.
2. File Form I-360: Complete and submit Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, to USCIS. This form serves as your self-petition for immigration benefits under VAWA.
3. Provide Evidence: Along with Form I-360, you will need to submit evidence to support your VAWA self-petition. This evidence may include police reports, medical records, affidavits from witnesses, and other documentation that demonstrates the abuse or qualifying relationship
4. Biometrics Appointment: Once your Form I-360 is accepted by USCIS, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photographs, and a signature for background checks.
5. Interview or Request for Evidence (RFE): USCIS may schedule an interview or request additional evidence to further assess your eligibility for immigration benefits under VAWA.
6. Approval and Adjustment of Status: If your VAWA self-petition is approved, you may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residency (green card) if you are physically present in the U.S. or for consular processing if you are outside the U.S.

The VAWA self-petition process can be complex, and it’s important to seek assistance from an experienced immigration attorney or an accredited representative who is knowledgeable about VAWA applications. They can help you navigate the application process, gather the required evidence, and represent your interests before USCIS. If you have specific questions about the VAWA application process or need further guidance, feel free to ask for more information.

A U visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to crime victims who have suffered mental or physical abuse and is helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. The U visa was created with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act) in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of noncitizens and other crimes, while also protecting victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse due to the crime and are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. The legislation also helps law enforcement agencies to better serve victims of crimes.

To eligible to U visa, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Victim of qualifying crime: you must be a victim of a qualifying criminal activity such a s domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, abductions, blackmail fraud in foreign labor contracting, or other serious crime
2. Suffered mental or physical abuse: You must have suffered mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime.
3. Assistance to law enforcement: You must have information about criminal activity and be willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
4. Certification: you must obtain a certification form (Form 1-918, supplement B) From a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge or other authorities confirming your helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
5. Admisibility: You must be admissible to the United States or qualify for a waiver or inadmissibility,
6. Derivative benefits: Certain Family members may also be eligible for derivative U visa based on your approved U Visa application.

The U visa application process involves submitting form 1-918, along with the required documentation to the United and Immigration services. (USCIS)Once approved, U visa recipients may be granted lawful status in the U.S for up to four years, along with work authorization.

T visa is a form of Immigration relief available to victims of human trafficking who have been brought to the United States for the purpose of exploitation. The T visa allows victims of human trafficking to remain in the United States temporarily and provides them with certain benefits and protections.

To be eligible to a T visa, Victims of human trafficking must meet the following criteria:

1. Victims of trafficking: You must be a victim of severe form of trafficking, which includes sex trafficking or labor trafficking
2. Physical or Psychological Harm: You must demonstrate that you would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if you were to return to your home country.
3. Assistance to Law Enforcement: You must be willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking crimes. However, there are exceptions for minors and individuals who are unable to cooperate due to physical or psychological trauma.
4. Certification: You must obtain a certification form (Form I-914, Supplement B) from a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or other appropriate authority confirming that you have been a victim of trafficking and have been helpful or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking.
5. Admissibility: You must be admissible to the United States or qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility.
6. Continued Presence: Victims who are awaiting the final decision on their T visa application may be eligible for “Continued Presence,” which allows them to temporarily stay in the United States and work while their case is pending. Once approved, T visa holders are granted legal status in the United States for up to four years and may be eligible for certain benefits, including employment authorization. T visa recipients may also be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status (green card) after meeting certain requirements.

Political asylum in the United States is a form of protection available to individuals who have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country due to their political beliefs, race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group. To qualify for political asylum in the U.S., an individual must meet the following criteria:

1. Eligibility: You must be physically present in the United States or seeking entry at a port of entry (airport, seaport, or border crossing)
2. Fear of Persecution: You must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution or harm if you are to return to your home country. Persecution can take various forms, such as imprisonment, torture, threats to life or freedom, or other serious harm.
3. Protected Grounds: The persecution you fear must be based on one of the five grounds recognized in U.S. asylum law: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
4. Timing: You must apply for asylum within one year of your arrival in the United States, unless you can demonstrate changed circumstances or extraordinary circumstances that prevented you from filing within the one-year deadline.
5. Exclusion Criteria: You are not barred from asylum based on certain criminal convictions, security-related grounds, or other disqualifying factors.
6. Application Process: To apply for political asylum in the U.S., you must submit Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or to the immigration court if you are in removal proceedings.
7. Interview and Documentation: You may be required to attend an interview with an asylum officer to discuss your case, provide supporting documentation, and present evidence to substantiate your claim for asylum.

It is important to seek guidance from an immigration attorney or a recognized legal service provider when pursuing political asylum in the United States, as the process can be complex, and the outcome of your case has significant implications for your future in the country.

From removal of conditions to Green Card renewals, our services ensure your permanent resident status is maintained without hassle.

Obtain necessary travel documents and re-entry permits with our expert assistance, ensuring your return to the U.S. is smooth and secure.

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