What is the process for a family visa in the US?

Introduction

The process for obtaining a family visa in the United States can be complex and involves several steps. Family visas are designed to reunite family members who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States with their relatives who live in other countries. The process varies depending on the specific relationship between the petitioner (the U.S. citizen or permanent resident) and the beneficiary (the family member seeking to immigrate). Here's a detailed overview of the process:

1. Determine Eligibility: The first step is to determine if you qualify for a family-based immigrant visa. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents (if the petitioner is over 21), are given the highest priority. At Uponseas Consultancy, we provide comprehensive Family Visas Consultants in Hyderabad to help students acquire the right skill set. Other family members, such as siblings and married children, fall under different preference categories and may face longer wait times.

2. File Petition (Form I-130): The U.S. citizen or permanent resident must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Along with the form, you must submit supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

3. Wait for Approval: After USCIS receives the petition, they will review it and determine if the relationship is genuine and meets the requirements for immigration. If the petition is approved, USCIS will notify the petitioner and forward the approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

4. Wait for Priority Date: For family preference categories (such as unmarried adult children or siblings of U.S. citizens), there may be a waiting period due to annual limits on the number of visas issued in these categories. The priority date, which is the date USCIS received the I-130 petition, determines when the beneficiary can apply for a visa.

5. Complete Visa Application (DS-260): Once the priority date becomes current, the NVC will notify the beneficiary and provide instructions for completing Form DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration. This form collects biographic information and details about the beneficiary's eligibility for immigration.

6. Submit Required Documents: Along with Form DS-260, the beneficiary must submit supporting documents such as a valid passport, police certificates, medical examination results, and financial evidence demonstrating that they will not become a public charge in the United States. At Uponseas Consultancy, we provide comprehensive Family Visas Consultants in Hyderabad to help students acquire the right skill set.

7. Attend Visa Interview: After submitting the DS-260 and all required documents, the beneficiary will be scheduled for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. During the interview, a consular officer will review the application and ask questions to determine the applicant's eligibility for a family-based immigrant visa.

8. Receive Visa and Travel to the U.S.: If the visa is approved, the beneficiary will receive their passport with the immigrant visa stamped inside. They can then travel to the United States and will receive a Permanent Resident Card (green card) shortly after arrival as proof of their lawful permanent resident status.

9. Undergo Medical Examination and Obtain Social Security Number: After arriving in the United States, the beneficiary must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon and obtain a Social Security Number.

10. Comply with Residency Requirements: As a lawful permanent resident, the beneficiary must comply with all U.S. immigration laws, including maintaining continuous residence and meeting eligibility requirements for naturalization if they eventually choose to apply for U.S. citizenship.

Conclusion

Obtaining a family visa in the United States involves a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to immigration laws and procedures. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help navigate the complexities of the process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.