American Family Reunification Visa and Family Immigration Application Guide

American Family Reunification Visa and Family Immigration Application Guide

Introduction:
Immigration is one of the foundations of United States culture. It is a nation made of individuals who come from different countries and cultures. Family reunification has always been a core principle of the U.S. immigration system. The U.S. government has always strived to keep families together and minimize the separation of loved ones. Unfortunately, due to the complexity and bureaucracy of the immigration system, many families have been separated for extended periods, sometimes years, while they go through the immigration process.

One of the most sought-after ways to obtain a Family reunification visa is through a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative. These visas are highly competitive and subject to annual caps. This article explains the specifics of Family reunification visas and the application process.

What is a Family Reunification Visa?
A Family reunification visa is a type of U.S. visa that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their immediate family members to come live in the U.S. as U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Family members eligible for Family Reunification Visas:
The following family members are eligible for Family Reunification Visas:

1. Spouse
2. Children under the age of 21
3. Parents (if the sponsor is over the age of 21)
4. Siblings (if the sponsor is over the age of 21)

Two Types of Family Reunification Visas:
The following two types of Family Reunification Visas are available:

1. Immediate Relative Visa: Immediate Relative Visa is available to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, children under the age of 21, and parents. Eligible applicants of Immediate Relative Visa are exempt from annual visa caps.
2. Family Preference Visa: Family Preference Visa is available to family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who do not qualify for an Immediate Relative Visa. This visa has annual caps subject to restrictions.

Application Process:

1. Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: To sponsor a family member for a Family Reunification Visa, the sponsor must first file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This application is filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the requisite filing fee. After the application has been processed and approved, the application is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).
2. Affidavit of Support: After the petition is approved, the petitioner must complete Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form is required to show that the petitioner has the financial means to support the beneficiary without government assistance.

3. Immigrant Visa Application: After obtaining the Affidavit of Support, the beneficiary can then complete the Immigrant Visa Application.
4. Interview: After all the application forms are complete, an interview is scheduled with a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The purpose of this interview is to determine the beneficiary’s eligibility for a Family Reunification Visa.

FAQs:

1. What is the waiting period for a Family Reunification Visa?
The waiting period varies by country, family relationship, and visa type. Generally, it can take several months to several years for a visa application to be processed. Immediate Relative Visas may have a shorter processing time because they are exempt from annual visa caps; Family Preference visas have a longer waiting period.

2. Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a sibling for a Family Reunification Visa?
Yes, a U.S. citizen who is over the age of 21 can sponsor their siblings for a Family Reunification Visa.

3. Can a lawful permanent resident sponsor their parents for a Family Reunification Visa?
Yes, lawful permanent residents can sponsor their parents for a Family Reunification Visa, but the process can be lengthy, and Family Preference Visa caps will still apply.

4. Can I work in the United States with a Family Reunification Visa?
A Family Reunification Visa does not guarantee employment authorization. Beneficiaries of a Family Reunification Visa can apply for employment authorization separately.

5. Can I travel outside the U.S. with a Family Reunification Visa?
Yes, you can travel outside the United States with a Family Reunification Visa. However, you must file for a re-entry permit to maintain your lawful permanent residency status if you plan to stay out of the U.S. for more than one year.

Conclusion:
The United States is an immigration nation. The Family Reunification Visa is one of the best ways to keep families together. Applying for a Family Reunification Visa can be a complicated process, but it is worth the effort to be reunited with your loved ones. By following the aforementioned steps, the Family Reunification Visa application process can be navigated, and families can reunite in the United States.