For many people, family is one of the most important aspects of life, offering support and love when we need it most. Being separated from our family members is rarely easy, especially when immigration issues are to blame. As a United States citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, there are different family-based visas available for your foreign-born loved ones. Navigating the visa application process and avoiding the common pitfalls along the way is easier said than done, however. As such, many people seek assistance from a Renton family immigration lawyer to reunite with their loved ones as quickly as possible. For more information, consider contacting our Seattle office at (206) 309-9645 today.
The Immigrant Story in Renton, WA
Renton is a community situated in King County, on the outer edge of Seattle. Many residents of the city have immigrated from different countries, finding a home here. With more than 12% of Renton residents being foreign-born, immigrants are a major part of the city’s diverse cultural makeup and economy. Every person who has immigrated to Renton has a different story, but they have all found themselves in this Washington city. As such, the immigrant story in Renton is incredibly important.
Our Services & What We Do
Our goal is to make it easier for families to settle in Renton together as a unit, regardless of country of origin. ZafiroLaw was founded on a deep respect for the immigrant story and a desire to help immigrants settle in their new homes peacefully. Unfortunately, United States immigration law can be incredibly complex and difficult to navigate. As such, we cater our services to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients. We help our clients file their visa application and secure their Green Card, as well as understand which visa option is right for them. The following are some of the most common matters that our Renton family immigration lawyers handle.
Fiancé Visa (K-1)
A K-1 fiancé visa is a valuable option for couples who wish to marry in the United States and live in the country long-term. With this visa, the foreign-born fiancé of a United States citizen is permitted to travel to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. The couple must marry within 90 days of the fiancé’s arrival in the United States, after which it is possible to file for permanent residence.
Spousal Visa (IR-1 and CR-1)
For couples who are already married, pursuing a spousal visa is often the ideal option. Depending on how long you and your spouse have been married, you can apply for either the IR-1 or CR-1 visa. The CR-1 visa is for couples who have been married for under two years, offering conditional permanent residence to the foreign-born spouse. After holding the CR-1 visa for two years, the foreign-born spouse may apply for a permanent, 10-year Green Card. The IR-1, alternatively, is available to couples who have been married for longer than two years.
Parent and Child Visas (IR-5 and IR-2)
There are immediate relative visas available to the parents and children of United States citizens, as well as the siblings of U.S. citizens. Lawful Permanent Residents may also petition for their relatives to travel to the United States, but visas are only available for spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21.
Citizenship
After a foreign-born individual has resided in the United States for a specified amount of time, they are able to apply for citizenship. The process that Green Card holders use to secure citizenship in the United States is referred to as naturalization. Naturalization is a long and difficult process, but the result is often well worth it for individuals who wish to live and work in the United States as full-fledged citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Renton family immigration lawyers, we regularly interact with individuals who have immigrated to the Seattle area. The laws governing immigration to the United States are complex, and we often receive questions about how family immigration works in the country. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive.
Who Is Eligible for Family-Based Immigration?
To be eligible for family-based immigration, you must be the relative of either a United States citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident. There are two categories of family-based visas, including immediate relative and family preference. Immediate relative visas are available to the close relatives of United States citizens, while family preference visas are available to Lawful Permanent residents and the more distant family members of U.S. citizens.
For United States citizens, the following family members are eligible for a family-based visa:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
For Lawful Permanent Residents, however, the following family members are eligible for a family-based visa:
- Spouse
- Unmarried son or daughter
What Are the Requirements for Family-Based Immigration?
The immigrant visa process is often long and difficult, partially due to the long list of requirements that must be met to submit a successful petition. To begin the family-based immigration process, a United States citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident must file Form I-130, known as the Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition can be filed either online or via mail. Once Form I-130 is submitted, the application will enter the processing period. To learn more about the immigrant visa process, consider speaking with an experienced Renton family immigration lawyer or viewing our online resources.
Contact a ZafiroLaw Renton Family Immigration Lawyer Today
The State Department reports that nearly 4 million individuals are waiting abroad due to family-based immigration backlogs. Backlogs and long wait times are often made worse by errors in the application process. Renton family immigration lawyers can help avoid these errors and ensure that you do not fall into the common pitfalls that applicants encounter while applying for family-based visas. To begin the process of reuniting with your family members or securing permanent residence for your loved ones, contact ZafiroLaw today at (206) 309-9645.
