To apply for family-based immigration in the United States, you will need to follow these general steps:
- Determine your eligibility: First, you must determine if you are eligible for family-based immigration. In general, you may be eligible if you have a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR), such as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling.
- File a Petition: The U.S. citizen or LPR family member must file a petition (Form I-130) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign national relative. This petition establishes the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary.
- Wait for processing: After filing the petition, you will need to wait for it to be processed. Processing times can vary depending on factors such as USCIS workload, the complexity of the case, and the petitioner and beneficiary’s relationship.
- File an application for an immigrant visa: If the petition is approved, the foreign national relative will need to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The process will involve providing biographic and biometric information, undergoing a medical exam, and attending an interview.
- Attend the visa interview: The foreign national relative will need to attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. During the interview, they will be asked questions about their background and eligibility for immigration.
- Receive a decision: If the visa is approved, the foreign national relative can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. If the visa is denied, they may be able to appeal the decision or apply again in the future.
The family-based immigration process can be complex, and the specific steps and requirements can vary depending on the individual case. It is recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process.
AnandNataraj 