Reston Immigrant & Non-Immigrant Visa Attorney
At the Law Offices of Amelia L. Ramer in Reston, Virginia, I help individuals and families who are seeking visas or permanent residence for themselves or relatives. This includes family-based visas issued to spouses, children, parents, fiancés and siblings.
To learn more about my practice or to request a consultation with me to discuss your legal options, call me at 703-481-5650or toll free at 866-603-9739.
Availability of Family Visas for Immediate Relatives
For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, visas are always available, which means that your family member does not have to wait in line for a visa. For preference-based family visa applications, there is a wait depending upon your relationship to the beneficiary or applicant/petitioner.
Are you an immediate relative? The official definition includes:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Children (unmarried and under 21) of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens (petitioning citizen must be 21 or older)
Preference Categories
- First preference: Unmarried, adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (adult means 21 or older.)
- Second Preference (2A): Spouses of green card holders, unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents
- Second Preference (2B): Unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents over the age of 21
- Third Preference: Married sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens
- Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens
An applicant's place on the worldwide waiting list for his or her particular family-based category is determined by the date on which the immigrant petition is filed with the USCIS - this date is known as the priority date. To say this another way, the date the USCIS receives the immigrant petition is the applicant/beneficiary's "priority date". The priority date is important because it determines when the beneficiary of the immigrant petition can file for permanent residence. Applicants registered for immigration in the family-based preference categories are subject to the annual numerical limitation on immigrants admitted into the U.S. and are required to wait for the availability of a visa number before filing their immigrant visa application. The "Visa Bulletin", which is issued on a monthly basis is the source that one can access online to determine whether a visa is currently available in their preference category. Spouses and minor children of permanent residents may need to wait three or more years after filing the immigrant petition, while unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents may need to wait five years or more.
Personal Service for Clients Seeking Family Visas
I provide my clients with efficient representation and am always "on call". I will answer your inquiries, keep you informed of your progress and, when the time comes for an interview before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) or the U.S. Consular Office, I will assist you with all necessary preparation for the interview.
Reston Family Visa Attorney
To request an initial consultation to discuss your situation and legal options with a lawyer, contact me today.
