In the family-based immigration practice at Usoro & Associates, P.C., we help clients with immigration petitions for relatives. Based in Houston, Texas, Anie Usoro offers compassionate support and dependable legal counsel to help you and your family successfully navigate the immigration process.

U.S. Immigration Visas for Family Members

Family immigration is the primary basis for legal immigration to the United States. A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) can sponsor certain relatives for an immigration visa.

For family member immigration visas, eligible family members are divided into two different groups: (1) immediate relatives and (2) family preference categories. The U.S. does not limit the annual number of immediate relative immigrations, but there is an annual overall limit on the number of family preference immigrations. Other criteria also apply to the number of visas issued each year in both groups. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can only sponsor certain family members within the two groups.

For U.S. citizens, the eligible immediate relative group includes these family members:

• Spouse
• Unmarried child under 21 years of age
• Parent of a U.S. citizen at least 21 years old

For U.S. citizens, the eligible family preference categories include:

• Married sons and daughters
• Unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 years and older
• Brothers and sisters of a citizen at least 21 years old

For a lawful permanent resident, the eligible family preference categories include:

• Spouse
• Unmarried child under age 21 years
• Unmarried son or daughter of a lawful permanent resident over 21 years old

Permanent residents (green card holders) do not have any eligible family members in the immediate relative group.

In addition, widows or widowers of U.S. citizens may be eligible if the citizen filed an application prior to death, or if the widow(er) files a petition within two years of death. A U.S. citizen may also sponsor a fiancé(e)and the child of a fiancé(e). Finally, certain victims of battery or extreme cruelty related to may petition for an immigrant visa themselves, including an abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, abused child (unmarried and under age 21) of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or abused parent of a U.S. citizen.

According to the specified allowances (listed above), U.S. citizens and permanent residents cannot sponsor other, unlisted family members, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, in-laws, or cousins.

Family Visa Process

A complex process accompanies the process of applying for a family immigration visa. It includes the sponsoring relative filing a petition and making specific commitments. The family member undergoes a detailed screening process, including extensive security and background checks. The entire process can take years to complete in some cases.

Getting assistance from a knowledgeable family-based immigration lawyer ensures that you follow all the correct and required processes, file the proper forms, and take all the necessary steps to secure the visa. Without reliable assistance from a skillful attorney, you can make mistakes that cause serious problems and take significant time to resolve. Houston immigration lawyer Anie Usoro provides you with honest, dependable legal counsel and advice, to make certain the process is completed according to all the established procedures and rules.

Contact Usoro & Associates for a Free Consultation

Anie Usoro is here to guide you through any family-based immigration matter you may face. You can trust Anie to explain the laws that apply to your case, use her experience and skills to protect your rights and interests, and work hard to help you reach the best resolution of your family immigration concerns. In her family immigration practice, Anie helps clients in the United States and in other countries, including Africa, Mexico, and Central American countries.