Zavala Law Firm, PLLC Family Immigration Lawyers in NYC

At Zavala Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the desire and urgency to bring family members to the United States to live, work, and pursue the American Dream together. Navigating the intricate pathways of family immigration law in New York City can be complex and often overwhelming. That’s why our dedicated team of experienced family immigration lawyers is committed to providing clear guidance and compassionate support throughout your legal journey. Our law firm possesses years of experience accompanying clients for interviews in the USCIS field offices of NYC and Newark, NJ. Whether you’re looking to reunite with a spouse, parent, sibling, or fiancé(e), we are here to turn the complexities of the process into a clear roadmap for success. Rest assured, with our expertise and your aspirations, we can work collaboratively to achieve your family immigration goals.

Popular Client Questions On Family Immigration in NYC

What are the requirements for sponsoring a family member to immigrate to the United States? To sponsor a family member for U.S. immigration, the sponsor must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
  • Meet certain income requirements to prove they can support the family member financially by submitting an Affidavit of Support. This usually means the sponsor’s income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • Prove the legitimacy of the relationship, such as by providing a marriage certificate for a spouse, birth certificates for children, or other legal documentation.
  • Be at least 21 years old to sponsor parents or siblings.
  • File the appropriate petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such as Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.

How long does the family immigration process take in NYC? The processing time for family immigration cases can vary greatly and is dependent on several factors, including:

  • The relationship between the sponsor and the family member (immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have no yearly cap and generally have shorter wait times).
  • The visa bulletin and priority dates, which affect the availability of visas for family preference categories.
  • The current USCIS processing times, which can change based on workload and staffing.
  • The country of origin, as some countries have longer waiting times due to higher demand for visas. It’s not uncommon for some family preference categories to take several years from the initial petition to the issuance of a visa.

Can I apply for a Green Card for my parents, siblings, or fiancé(e)? U.S. citizens can sponsor their immediate relatives, including parents and siblings, for Green Cards. The process for parents is generally quicker as there is no limit to the number of visas available each year. Sibling sponsorship falls under the family preference category, which can involve a longer wait due to annual visa caps. For a fiancé(e), a U.S. citizen can file a K-1 visa petition. Upon entry to the U.S. on a K-1 visa, the couple must marry within 90 days, after which the foreign national can apply for adjustment of status to a permanent resident.

What happens if my family member is already in the U.S. illegally? An individual’s presence in the U.S. without legal status can complicate the immigration process. If someone entered the U.S. legally and overstayed their visa, they might be able to adjust their status to a lawful permanent resident if they are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. However, for those who entered without inspection, the path to legal status is more complex and may involve leaving the country and facing potential bars to re-entry. In some cases, waivers for unlawful presence are available based on extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member. It is strongly advised in these situations to navigate the complexities and potential risks involved with an experienced family immigration attorney at Zavala Law Firm, PLLC.

Are there any recent changes in immigration laws affecting family-based visas? Immigration laws and policies are subject to frequent changes, which can affect family-based visas. For instance, changes to the public charge rule can impact eligibility for adjustment of status or visa issuance. It’s also important to be aware of potential executive actions and congressional legislation that may expand or restrict immigration options. The Department of State regularly updates visa bulletin information which can affect priority dates and visa availability. Clients should confer with one of our immigration attorneys to receive the latest information and assess how these changes might impact their specific cases.

Expert Guidance from Zavala Law Firm, PLLC

Understanding family immigration law can be as intricate as the family ties that bind us. With laws that are constantly evolving and application processes that can seem daunting, it’s essential to have a trusted advocate on your side. As well as english Zavala Law Firm, PLLC, speak spanish. Our attorneys take pride in each successful case and every family that we help to bring together. We strive to not only provide exemplary legal services but also to be a pillar of support, giving you confidence and peace of mind. Remember, while the FAQs provided lay the groundwork, each family’s circumstances are unique. We encourage you to reach out to us for a personalized consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. Together, we’ll focus on turning your hopes of family reunification into reality, today and for generations to come.