Syracuse, New York, Family Immigration Lawyer
Let Us Help You Bring Your Family to the U.S.
Ames Immigration has a successful record of helping legal immigrants bring immediate family members to the United States. If you are seeking a visa for a spouse, a child, a parent or other immediate family member, there are several options available for securing permanent residency status (also known as a green card).
Our practice is limited to immigration and naturalization law
Contact our offices to schedule an opportunity to discuss your family visa needs with attorney Sharon Ames. We work with clients in communities throughout the United States.
Family visas for "immediate relatives"
- Spouses of United States citizens (Spouses of deceased U.S. citizens may apply under certain circumstances.)
- Children of United States citizens (A child is defined as an unmarried son or daughter under the age of 21. There are special requirements for stepchildren and adopted children.)
- Parents of a United States citizen whose son or daughter is over the age of 21
- Fiancées of United States citizens may enter the United States on a K-1 visa, marry within 90 days of entry, and file for permanent residence after the marriage takes place.
USCIS Preference Categories
Those seeking permanent residence who are not immediate family members, such as spouses and children of permanent residents, are placed into preference categories depending on the relationship. Those who are not immediate relatives must wait years for a visa number to become available, and may still have to wait for years for the initial processing of the alien relative petition. The waiting times depend upon the preference category. First preference immigrants will obtain a visa sooner than second, third or fourth preference immigrants. The list of preference categories is listed below:
- 1: Unmarried sons or daughters of United States citizens (those who are 21 or older)
- 2A: Spouses of lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Children of lawful permanent residents
- 2B: Unmarried sons or unmarried daughters of lawful permanent residents
- Married sons or daughters of United States citizens
- Brothers or sisters of United States citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older)
In addition to these basic requirements, there are various laws that determine in which category an applicant will be placed. For example, the Child Status Protection Act may help a family whose child has reached the age of 21 to process the application as an immediate relative. Our firm can identify any special laws that may apply in your case, and will help determine the best strategy to obtain permanent residence for your family members.
We invite you to learn more about visas and citizenship by reading:
With offices in downtown Syracuse, New York, our firm works with families and individual clients throughout the United States. Contact us online or call us at 315-350-3977 or 866-435-0297 to schedule a consultation with attorney Sharon Ames today.
