Family immigration law can be a very complicated process, filing petitions, completing paperwork, and ensuring that you have the right documentation in place. The course of action to effectively completing your application can be a time consuming and stressful process for both the beneficiary and the filing petitioner. The procedure for applying and receiving the visa can be quite extensive and at times will require patience and often a team of lawyers to ensure your case is handled correctly. In Miami, there are many skilled lawyers who have an extensive background in family immigration law and will not rest until you and your loved ones are reunited.

There are several aspects of the immigration process and it is imperative that you have a skilled lawyer or team of lawyers by your side to help guide you through this intensive process.

How to Begin the Immigration Process

The immigration process begins with two parties the petitioner or sponsor- the individual who is requesting that their loved one is granted a visa or long-term stay in the United States. The second party involved in the process is the beneficiary. A beneficiary is a party who intends to migrate from their home country to the United States for an extended period of time, whether that time period is sixty days, one year or for a lifetime.

Before one can begin the visa application process the relationship between the petitioner and intended immigrant (beneficiary) must be clearly defined. Is the beneficiary a sibling, child or grandchild or a fiancee?

Types of immigration Visas and Types of Residency:

Before a petitioner (or sponsor) and beneficiary can apply for a visa, the underlying relationship must be determined. There are several different visas and residence application options to choose from.

K-1 Visa: A K-1 Visa is reserved for engaged individuals, once the couple is married the immigrant immediately becomes a citizen of the United States. This visa requires that the couple must be married in ninety days or less otherwise the visa is void. The visa process is begun by the U.S. sponsor requesting the visa for their significant other. This process will take approximately six to nine months for the process to be reviewed, approved and ultimately finalized.

K-3 Visa: A K-3 visa is slightly different from a K-1 visa. A K-3 visa is a spousal visa and is a request for a previously married couple to gain citizenship and entry into the United States for a period of two years or more. The application process is complex and the time for approval can take between six to nine months in total.

K-4 Visa: A K-4 visa is frequently granted to the unmarried, minor (under twenty-one) children of parents who possess a K-3 spousal visa. This visa allows for the child or children of this marriage to travel to and from the U.S. and their home country for any number of times until the age of twenty-one or the end of the two year visa period. The application and finalization process varies and can take up to nine months to be finalized and approved.

First preference Visa: A first preference visa is generally granted to the heirs or children of legally married United States Citizens that are not married and are the legal age of twenty-one years old.

Second Preference (2A): This type of visa is generally requested by a married couple whose significant other possesses a green card and is requesting access into the United States.

Second Preference 2B: A second preference visa is requested by the children of legal United States residents who are not married and over or of the age of twenty-one years old.

Third Preference: This visa is designated for children of United States citizens who are married and requesting residency.

Fourth Preference: A fourth preference visa extends to the brothers and sisters of United States Citizens. To acquire this.

Green Cards: Is a semi-permanent visa that may last either two or ten years before the application process must be renewed. Acquiring a green card can take several years to finalize.

How can a family immigration lawyer help you?

The process of requesting a visa or temporary residence can be a very complicated and stressful time for all parties involved. Before embarking on the visa application process, it is imperative to conduct some background research and employ a team of skilled family immigration lawyers to guide you through the extensive procedure.

There are several ways family immigration lawyers can assist you.

Will ensure that you are filing for the correct visa: The United States recognizes over one-hundred and eighty-five different entry visas. Family immigration lawyers will help to identify what visa or residence application pertains to your unique situation and will aid you through the application process. One of the most common discrepancies that can occur during the petition filing process is filing for the wrong application which can take several weeks or months to rectify.

Expedite the application process: A team of family immigration can help to speed up the application process by organizing all of the necessary documentation such as marriage licenses, social security cards, passports, birth certificates, and certificates of residency. Also, proof of relationship will be required.

Prepare for the visa interview: After completing all of the required paperwork and finalizing documents family immigration can assist you, your spouse or the intended visa applicant with questions that will likely be asked during the visa interview.

The process of acquiring a visa application may appear to be intimidating, with so many steps involved; the fees, piles of paperwork and identification documentation and patiently awaiting the arrival of your loved one to arrive in the United States.

While it is possible to complete the visa application process independently without the assistance of a family immigration lawyer, and many applicants have- it is not recommended. Before you begin the application process takes a step back and conduct some research about the visa application process and call your local family immigration lawyer and see how they can help you and your loved one with the visa application process. See more visit: Mark E. Fried, P.A.