Family Green Cards: What You Need to Know
A “green card” is an informal term for a United States Permanent Resident Card, which grants a foreign national the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Green card holders are also referred to as lawful permanent residents (LPRs). Family green cards serve as a gateway to permanent residency in the United States for many people. Indeed, family immigration is the backbone of our country’s immigration system.
That being said, not every foreign national who is related to someone in the United States can qualify for a family-based green card. Instead, obtaining one requires sponsorship from a qualifying family member. Eligibility depends on the relationship’s category, such as immediate relative or preference category. Navigating the process involves completing and submitting various immigration forms along with the required supporting documents and records.
Notably, both U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents and U.S. Citizens can petition to help their family members themselves become lawful permanent residents and obtain a “green card.”
A U.S. citizen can petition for his or her:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children
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We Handle the Full Range of Family Immigration Matters
Family immigration is a complex and sensitive area of law that requires expert knowledge and understanding of its many intricacies. At Vanderwall Immigration, we pride ourselves on our work to unite families. As a legal team made up of professionals who come from immigrant families, we know how much this matters. Our Portland green card attorneys are well-equipped to provide you with comprehensive legal assistance across a full range of family immigration matters. Along with other types of family-based green cards, our Portland attorneys help clients with:
01
Spousal Relationship (Marriage)
Our Portland immigration law team is adept at navigating the complexities of marriage-based immigration, whether you are a U.S. citizen sponsoring your foreign spouse or a permanent resident petitioning for your partner. We will guide you through the process, including preparing and filing the necessary forms, gathering documentation, and addressing any legal issues that may arise.
02
Fiancé Visa (K-1 Visa)
If you are a U.S. citizen engaged to marry a foreign national, we can assist you in obtaining a K-1 fiancé visa to bring your partner to the United States. Our family visa attorneys in Portland will ensure that your application is complete and accurate, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome. We will also provide guidance on the subsequent adjustment of status process, ensuring a smooth transition to permanent residency.
03
K-3 Visas and K-4 Visas
For those already married to a foreign national but awaiting the approval of an immigrant visa, a K-3 visa may be a solution. A K-4 visa is a corresponding tool for a spouse’s unmarried children under the age of 21. K-3 visas and K-4 visas allow for a family to be united while an immigration petition is still pending.
04
Family Preference Immigration
Our team of family immigration lawyers in Portland understands the importance of reuniting families and is experienced in handling family preference immigration cases. Whether you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, we can help you petition for your family members, such as parents, siblings, or adult children, to join you in the United States. We will guide you through the complex system of preference categories and priority dates to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome for your loved ones. It should be noted that there are statutory caps on the number of family preference visas that can be issued each year.
We Handle the Full Range of Family Immigration Matters
The I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial form for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who wish to sponsor their family members for green cards, granting them legal permanent residency in the United States. By filing Form I-130, the petitioner establishes their relationship with the foreign relative and initiates the family-based immigration process.
Before submitting Form I-130, it’s essential to determine the eligibility of both the petitioner and the beneficiary. The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen or LPR, while the beneficiary should be an immediate relative (spouse, unmarried children under 21, or parent) or a preference relative (adult married/unmarried children, siblings, or specific employment-based categories).
After filing the I-130, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review the application and notify the petitioner of their decision. If approved, the beneficiary may then proceed with the consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on their current location and immigration status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Advance Parole
What Does it Mean to Be Ruled Inadmissible to the United States?
Being ruled inadmissible to the United States means an individual is not permitted to enter or stay in the country under immigration law. Grounds for inadmissibility include health-related issues, criminal history, security concerns, public charge risks, lack of proper documentation, or previous immigration violations. Remember, an unapproved international travel violation could render a person inadmissible to the United States.
How Long Does the Advance Parole Application Process Typically Take?
It depends. The advance parole application process duration can vary based on individual circumstances and current immigration backlogs. Typically, it takes a few months. That being said, processing times may change due to the volume of applications received, the complexity of the case, the necessity for additional information or documentation, and any need for expedited approval. No matter your circumstances, an experienced immigration lawyer can help determine the best course of action in your advance parole case.
Why Would an Application for Advance Parole Be Denied?
An application for advance parole may be denied for several reasons, such as failure to demonstrate compelling reasons for travel, incomplete application, missing documentation, existing deportation or removal orders, or security concerns. Additionally, applicants who have previously violated their visa terms or have an unlawful presence in the U.S. may face denial. If you are worried about the risk of a denial, contact our immigration attorneys for immediate assistance.
How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help With Advance Parole?
A lot of potential issues can arise in an advanced parole case. A top-tier immigration lawyer can assist with all stages of the advance parole application—ensuring all required documentation is accurate and complete and proactively addressing any potential complications. Do not go it alone: Get help from an experienced Portland, OR immigration attorney.
How Our Portland Family Immigration Lawyers Can Help With a Family-Based Green Card
While family-based immigration forms much of the foundation of the American immigration system, navigating the process can be complicated. It is normal to have tons of questions about your rights and your options. At Vanderwall Immigration, we will help you through the entire process of obtaining a green card, from the petition to the financial sponsorship to the hardship waiver (if applicable) and the consular interview. We are proactive. Among other things, our Portland green card attorneys are ready to:
- Conduct a comprehensive, confidential review an evaluation of your case.
- Answer questions you have about the family immigration process.
- Gather relevant documents, records, and other information.
- Take care of the family immigration application paperwork.
- Develop a legal strategy to help you and your family overcome obstacles.
Contact Our Portland Family Green Card Attorneys Today
At Vanderwall Immigration, our Portland green card lawyers have extensive experience handling family immigration matters. If you have any questions about a family green card issue, we are more than ready to help you find the solution. Call us now or connect with us directly online for a fully confidential, no-obligation case review. With offices in Beaverton and Salem, we handle green card and family visa matters in Portland and throughout the wider region of Oregon and Washington.
Vanderwall Immigration Law
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Immigration law is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our experienced attorneys serve families across Portland, Salem, Beaverton, and the Pacific Northwest — and can handle cases nationwide.
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