Concord, CA Family-Based Immigration Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Families With Visas and Green Cards in Concord, California

In many cases, people who encounter immigration issues will be focused on reuniting with their loved ones and keeping their families together. For those who are dealing with family-based immigration issues, the legal concerns that they will need to address can feel overwhelming because of the many requirements they will need to meet and the potential complications that may arise. Fortunately, with legal help from a skilled attorney, families can overcome these obstacles and resolve their immigration concerns.

The lawyers at Hafey & Karim provide dedicated legal support to help families navigate these challenges. With in-depth knowledge of federal immigration laws and a familiarity with the Concord Immigration Court, which began hearing cases in 2024, we offer effective legal guidance for people who are seeking to bring loved ones to the United States or adjust their immigration status and become lawful permanent residents.

Types of Family-Based Visas

There are a few different categories of visas that may be available through sponsorship from family members in the United States. Each category has specific eligibility rules and processing timelines. They include

• Immediate Relative Visas: Close family members of U.S. citizens, including spouses, minor children, and parents, may qualify for these visas. There is no annual cap on the number of visas available in this category. Because of this, these visas often provide the fastest route to a Green Card.
• Family Preference Visas: Other relatives of citizens, such as their siblings or adult children, may qualify for these visas. Lawful permanent residents may also sponsor their immediate relatives for visas. Family Preference visas are subject to numerical limits, and they will often require long waiting periods depending on the applicant's country of origin and the specific visa category.
• K-1 Visas for Fiancés and Fiancées: United States citizens can sponsor romantic partners for immigration. K-1 visas provide for temporary stays in the U.S. of up to 90 days, and if a couple gets married during this time, the foreign spouse can receive a Green Card.

The attorneys at Hafey & Karim work with families to apply for visas. We can make sure all petitions and supporting documents are submitted correctly to avoid delays or denials.

Adjusting Status to Obtain a Green Card

For family members who are already living in the United States, applying for lawful permanent residency through adjustment of status is usually the best way to obtain a Green Card. The process involves several steps:

1. Filing Form I-130: The sponsoring family member will submit a Petition for Alien Relative to USCIS.
2. Determining Eligibility for Adjustment: The applicants must have entered the country lawfully, and they must meet all eligibility requirements. A visa in their category must be available before their application can move forward.
3. Submitting Form I-485: Once they are eligible, a person can file an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
4. Attending Biometrics and Interview: USCIS will schedule fingerprinting and an interview to verify the relationship and other application details.
5. Receiving a Decision: If an application to adjust status is approved, the applicant will receive a Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident.

Our lawyers can help ensure that supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and affidavits of support are properly compiled and submitted during the adjustment of status process. We will work to minimize the risks of denial, and we can respond to any requests for additional evidence.

Consular Processing for Family Members in Other Countries

If a family member resides outside the United States, they must complete the immigration process through consular processing. This pathway includes:

1. I-130 Petition: The sponsoring family member will submit a petition on behalf of their relative. Once the petition is approved by USCIS, the case will be transferred to the National Visa Center.
2. Submission of Affidavit of Support: The petitioner must file Form I-864 to show they can financially support their relative.
3. Medical Examination and Visa Interview: The beneficiary will attend a medical exam and appear for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
4. Entry to the U.S. and Receipt of Green Card: Upon approval, the beneficiary will receive an immigrant visa. They can then travel to the United States, and after entering the country, they will become a lawful permanent resident.

Our attorneys can help ensure that consular processing will be completed correctly. We help clients prepare for interviews and respond to inquiries from immigration officials, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Contact Our Concord Family Immigration Attorneys

Family immigration is about more than paperwork. It is about preserving relationships and helping family members achieve stability so they can build successful futures in the United States. The attorneys at Hafey & Karim understand the emotional stakes involved in these cases, and we work closely with our clients to protect their interests. To learn more about how we can help your family address immigration-related concerns, contact our Concord, California family-based immigration lawyers at 214-506-0671 and set up a consultation with our attorneys.