Helping a family member come to the United States can be one of the most meaningful ways to support the people we care about – but you’ll need the help of an Alexandria, VA family based immigration lawyer to make the process as smooth as possible.
At The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., we’ve spent over a decade helping our clients get the representation they need in immigration cases ranging from citizenship to deportation defense. Now, we’re ready to use our experience to help you. Read on to learn more about how to sponsor your loved one, and contact us today to get started.
Confirming The Family Relationship
The first step is to confirm that the family relationship qualifies under U.S. immigration law. U.S. citizens can petition for more types of relatives than lawful permanent residents can. Citizens may sponsor spouses, children (married or unmarried), parents, and siblings. Permanent residents may sponsor a spouse or unmarried child. Each relationship has different rules and timelines, so it’s important to check that the person you want to sponsor fits the category allowed.
Filing The I-130 Petition
Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, the next step is to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the relationship between the U.S. sponsor and the relative abroad or already in the country. You’ll need to include documents that prove the relationship—like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption records—as well as proof of your own status in the U.S.
Receiving Approval And Waiting For A Visa
After the I-130 petition is filed, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review the form and supporting documents. If everything is in order, the petition will be approved. Approval doesn’t mean the visa is immediately available. For some categories, there may be a waiting period until a visa number becomes available. This depends on the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, which is updated monthly.
Affidavit Of Support And Financial Proof
One of the requirements during either path is the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). As the sponsor, you’ll need to show that you can financially support your family member so they won’t rely on public benefits. This usually involves providing tax returns, W-2s, or other financial records. If your income isn’t high enough, a joint sponsor may be needed.
What To Do If There Are Delays Or Problems
Sometimes applications get delayed due to missing documents, background checks, or errors in the forms. If the government sends a Request for Evidence (RFE), it’s important to respond quickly and carefully. We also work with clients who have had petitions denied or stuck for a long time. In those cases, we help look at the reasons and decide the best way forward.
Contact Us Today
At The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., we’ve helped many families bring their loved ones to the U.S. or help them stay here. If you’re looking to sponsor a relative and want to make sure your petition is strong, we’re here to help. Contact us today to speak with a family based immigration lawyer and learn how to get started.
