How to Navigate Family-Based Immigration: A Brief Guide

Immigration is a complex process, especially in the United States. The country, with its long history of security threats, has made it a point to streamline the process to prevent any bad elements from entering its borders. These initiatives have been made in good faith, allowing legitimate families to cross over to a country where freedom is central.

So long as you go through the process properly, you will be able to set foot in the United States without so much as getting a raised eyebrow at LAX. It’s always a matter of using legal means to enter the country. Fortunately, the United States offers a family-based immigration process you can easily overcome. Use the guide below and make your move to the Land of the Free without much hassle!

1. Learn about eligibility and petitioner requirements

Before going through the process, you will need to know what documents and other requirements are needed to vouch for your eligibility. Family-based immigration allows you to enter the country on account of a family member who is a Green Card holder as well as a naturalized or a long-time resident of the United States.

The first step is proving your affinity to your sponsor. You can do this by presenting documentary evidence showing that you’re related to this person. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other government-issued documents are necessary, but you can add in school records and photographs to strengthen your application. On their part, your family members living on United States soil will have to provide proof that they are naturalized or already a resident of the country.

2. Go through the necessary paperwork

Immigration is a lengthy process that involves tons of paperwork. It can be overwhelming, but the bureaucratic steps you will need to go through are necessary in vouching for your identity. After you and your family member have determined your eligibility, you will need to submit a duly accomplished Form I-130 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

This form is the petition itself and it is subject to approval. Once it’s given the green light, you will need to complete Form DS-260 online and your relative will have to submit Form I-864 detailing the income they make and the assets they own. After this, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate Office may schedule you for an interview and medical exam.

3. Ace the interview and get legal help when necessary

You might think that immigrating is only a matter of filling out paperwork. But when it comes to entering American territory, you will have to go through the interview process as everyone else. Here, you will be asked the purpose of your visit, and your supporting documents will be given a final look-through.

You may need to prepare for a one-on-one with a staff member of the State Department. If ever you run into technical problems along the way, opt to get help from a family-based immigration lawyer. Their job is to expedite the process and pull you out of a sticky situation involving the accuracy of the documents you submit.

Endnote

The demands of United States immigration laws might overwhelm you, but so long as you follow this simple three-step guide, you should be able to land safely on American soil without anyone trying to stop you in your tracks!