Understanding family immigration options

Immigration matters are important and sometimes emotional concerns for families and their loved ones. It is understandable that immigrants and others seek to be reunited with their families. Because of the importance of immigration matters, families should understand the immigration process, including as it relates to citizens and residents.

In general, citizens of the United States can petition for family members, including spouses, parents, children and siblings, to become permanent residents. This process also allows them to start along the path to citizenship. Depending on the circumstances, there are a variety of different visa types for family members of U.S. citizens. Different types of visas include those for immediate relatives, fiancée visas and family members according to level of preference based on relation to the family member.

In addition, permanent residents who hold green cards in the United States are able to petition for permanent residency for family members under several different visa programs. Different types of visas are available to family members of permanent residents according to level of preference based on relation to the family member. While the immigration process can be tremendously significant for family members and their loved ones, it is also filled with a variety of complexities.

The family visa process is vital to many family members and their loved ones, so trained guidance can be helpful throughout the process. Trained guidance can help families negotiate the immigration process and the challenges that can naturally arise during the sometimes sensitive and valuable process of immigrating to the U.S.