Family Immigration Attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey 

Are you or someone you love interested in obtaining a family-based visa? If so, you have come to the right place. The process of applying for a family-based visa can be complex and confusing. Fortunately, the family immigration attorney at William J. Quirk, Esq., LLC, is here to help.  

The U.S. immigration law can be incredibly complex, which is why you need legal representation to help you navigate the legal system. Speak with a family immigration attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey, to discuss your options for obtaining legal status and bringing your family together. Attorney William Quirk also serves clients in Paterson, Clifton, and West New York areas.  

Types of Family-Based Visas  

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers two main types of family-based visas: immediate relative and family preference visas.  

1. Immediate relative visas are typically reserved for close relatives such as spouses, unmarried children under 21 years old, and parents (if the petitioner is over 21 years old).  

2. Family preference visas are available to more distant relatives such as unmarried adult sons/daughters (over 21 years old), married sons/daughters, siblings, and others who do not fall under the “immediate relative” classification. 

The family immigration attorney at William J. Quirk, Esq., LLC, helps clients understand their options when it comes to obtaining legal status in the United States through family-based visas. William Quirk offers personalized consultations and walks each client through every step of the process, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.  

Who Can File For an Immigrant Visa?   

A family-based visa is for individuals who want to travel to the United States to join a relative who is already living here. To apply for a family-based visa, both the applicant and the person they are filing for must meet certain eligibility requirements. 

• Eligibility of the person filing. In order to file for a family-based visa, an individual must be a legal resident of the United States or have permanent residence status. 

• Eligibility of the person they are filing for. The individual who is being sponsored by their relative must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for a family-based visa. They must provide documentation that shows their identity and relationship with the petitioner, among other things.  

It’s important to understand all of the eligibility requirements before applying so you know what documents are needed and what steps need to be taken during each stage of the process before approval can be granted by USCIS. Consult with a family immigration attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey, to learn more.  

The Process to Obtain the Visa  

While each case is unique and must be discussed with an immigration attorney, there are some general steps that everyone must take when applying for a family visa:  

• Step 1: File the I-130 petition. This form must be completed by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who will act as sponsor for their relative seeking entry into the U.S. This form verifies that there is an existing relationship between the sponsor and their relative.   

• Step 2: Receive approval from USCIS. Once USCIS has approved your I-130 petition, they will notify both parties with an approval notice. At this point, your relative can start preparing all the necessary documents for their visa application.  

• Step 3: Apply for an immigrant visa. The immigrant relative should now file an immigrant visa application with USCIS if they live outside the United States or apply through adjustment of status if they already live in the country legally on another type of visa.   

• Step 4: Attend an interview. Finally, after all documents have been submitted and reviewed by USCIS, your relative may be asked to attend an interview at their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate office in order to prove that their relationship is legitimate and genuine. After passing this interview successfully, they will then receive an approval notice from USCIS granting them entry into the U.S. as a permanent resident.   

Applying for a family-based visa can be complicated, but following these steps can make it easier. If you need more help navigating this process, contact William J. Quirk, Esq., LLC.