Phoenix Family-Based Immigration Attorney

Passionate Legal Advocates Reuniting Families in Arizona

At IBF Law Group, we understand the desire to bring family members to the United States and the legal hurdles that must be cleared to make this possible. Our Phoenix family-based immigration lawyers help U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with refugee status in Phoenix and Albuquerque to obtain visas for their close family members. As immigrants ourselves, we have extensive knowledge of the immigration process and a strong desire to advocate for our clients and reunite families.

Have questions about family-based immigration? Call (602) 833-1110 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our family immigration attorney in Phoenix! We'll give you answers!

Types of Family Immigration Visas

Family-based immigration visas are designed to reunite family members with their relatives who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. There are several different types of family-based immigration visas, including:

Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas: These visas are for the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21 years old, parents (if the petitioner is 21 years old or older), and orphaned children adopted abroad by U.S. citizens.

Family Preference Immigrant Visas: These visas are for more distant family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, including:

• F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children.
• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of lawful permanent residents.
• F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of lawful permanent residents.
• F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children.
• F4: Siblings of adult U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children.

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa: This visa allows the foreign fiance(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.

K-3 Spouse Visa: This visa is for the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen who is waiting for an immigrant visa abroad. It allows the spouse to enter the United States while waiting for the immigrant visa process to be completed.

V Visa: This visa is available to the spouses and children of lawful permanent residents who have been waiting for an immigrant visa for more than three years. It allows them to enter the United States and live and work while waiting for their immigrant visa to become available.

Each type of family-based immigration visa has specific eligibility criteria and requirements. It's essential to consult with an experienced Phoenix family immigration attorney to determine the best visa option for your individual circumstances.

Determining Eligibility for Family Members

Your own status in the United States is the first factor in determining eligibility to bring family members to the United States. In most situations, you can help a family member come to the United States so long as you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee or asylum status within the past two years. The next step is to consider your relationship with the person you want to sponsor.

As a U.S. citizen, you may petition to sponsor your:

• Fiancé
• Spouse
• Unmarried children under the age of 21
• Married children or children over 21 years of age
• Parents
• Siblings

The rules are different for permanent residents and refugees compared with U.S. citizens. A permanent resident or refugee may only petition for a spouse or unmarried children. The process is the same, but immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not have to wait in line as others do to obtain a visa.