Family Visas

Fees vary widely, from $160 to $1,500, depending on the visa type and administrative costs.

Duration of a Family Visa

Usually issued for the same duration as the sponsoring family member’s visa, typically between five and ten years.

Working on a Family Visa

Generally permitted, with potential restrictions on working hours and study programs.

Reasons for Visa Denial

May include lack of valid relationship proof, insufficient funds, false information, or criminal offenses.

Navigating the complexities of immigration law? Connect with professionals specializing in immigration services.

To sponsor a family member for a green card in the United States, the process involves several steps:

Eligibility and Documentation:

– Eligibility: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor certain family members for immigration.
– Documentation: Sponsors must provide supporting documentation showing their status, relationship with the immigrant, and financial ability to support the sponsored family member.

Types of Visas:

– Immediate Relative Visas: For close relatives of U.S. citizens with no quotas, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents.
– Family Preference Visas: For more distant relatives of U.S. citizens and some relatives of Green Card holders, with limited visas available annually.

Process:

1. File Form I-130: The sponsor must file an immigrant visa petition (Form I-130) with USCIS.
2. Follow-Up Steps: Depending on the family member’s location (in the U.S. or abroad), further steps involve Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing.

Financial Support:

– Sponsors must meet financial requirements to support their sponsored family members without relying on government assistance programs.
– Financial evidence may include tax returns, pay stubs, and an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).

Overall, sponsoring a family member for a green card involves demonstrating eligibility, providing necessary documentation, filing the appropriate forms, and meeting financial obligations to support the immigrant during the immigration process.

The cost of sponsoring a family member for a green card in the United States can vary based on different fees and expenses involved in the process. Here is a summary of some of the costs associated with sponsoring a family member for a green card:

– Initial visa petition (Form I-130): $535 through March 31, 2024; then $625 for online filing and $675 for paper filing.
– Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): $120.
– State Department immigrant visa processing fee: $325.
– Immigrant’s adjustment of status application (Form I-485): $1,140 plus an $85 biometrics fee; $750 if the applicant is under 14 and filing with a parent.

Additional costs may include travel expenses, personal document certification and translation fees, photography fees, postage and shipping, medical exam and vaccination fees, attorney fees if hired, and the green card production fee (Immigrant Fee) of $220 through March 31, 2024, and $235 thereafter.

It’s important to note that these costs are subject to change, so it’s advisable to double-check the most current fees on the official U.S. government website before proceeding with the sponsorship process.

Family visas enable family reunification in foreign countries. Understanding requirements and navigating challenges are crucial for a successful application. Applicants should stay informed and proactive throughout the process for a smooth transition and an enriching family experience in a new land.