HTML Headings:
– Introduction
– Understanding Family Reunification Visa
– Eligibility for Family Reunification Visa
– Application Process for Family Reunification Visa
– Required Documents for Family Reunification Visa
– How Long Does It Take to Process a Family Reunification Visa?
– FAQs
Introduction:
Immigration is a critical concern across the globe, and the USA is no exception. The US immigration process can be a tedious and overwhelming experience. However, if you are looking to bring your family members to the United States, the process becomes somewhat more manageable with the Family Reunification Visa. Family Reunification Visa is a popular option for many migrants who want to reunite with their family members in the USA. This article will explain Family Reunification Visa in detail, its eligibility criteria, application process, required documentation, and FAQs.
Understanding Family Reunification Visa:
Family Reunification Visa, also known as a Family-Based Visa or Preference Visa, is an immigration policy that allows US citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to sponsor their family members living abroad to join them in the USA, legally. Family reunification is a priority in the US immigration system, and therefore US immigration law permits US citizens and Green Card holders to bring their spouses, children, parents, and siblings to the United States. The number of visas available for this category is limited and is divided amongst different family types.
Eligibility for Family Reunification Visa:
To qualify for a Family Reunification Visa, the petitioner (US citizen or Green Card holder) needs to establish a legitimate family relationship with the beneficiary (family member) intending to apply for a visa. The family members who are eligible for a Family Reunification Visa include:
– Spouse – the current husband or wife of a US citizen or Green Card holder
– Unmarried children under 21 years of age – biological, step, or adopted child of a US citizen or Green Card holder
– Unmarried children over 21 years of age – biological, step, or adopted child of a US citizen
– Parents – the mother or father of a US citizen
– Siblings – the brother or sister of a US citizen
The petitioner must provide sufficient evidence of the relationship between themselves and the beneficiary, and they should apply on behalf of the beneficiary to initiate the Family Reunification Visa process.
Application Process for Family Reunification Visa:
The application process for a Family Reunification Visa may vary depending on the type of relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. The first step is for the petitioner to fill out Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After the petition is approved, the beneficiary can apply for a visa at the US embassy or consulate in their home country by submitting Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. Once the beneficiary receives approval of their visa application, they can enter the United States.
Required Documents for Family Reunification Visa:
To apply for a Family Reunification Visa, the petitioner needs to submit the following documents:
– Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
– Proof of petitioner’s US citizenship or Green Card holder status
– Proof of petitioner’s relationship to the beneficiary
– Passport-style photographs of petitioner and the beneficiary
– USCIS filing fees
The beneficiary’s documents required for a Family Reunification Visa application are:
– Valid passport
– Birth certificate
– Marriage certificate (if applicable)
– Police clearance certificate
– Application processing fees
How Long Does it Take to Process a Family Reunification Visa?
The processing time for a Family Reunification Visa can vary based on several factors, such as the type of relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, the embassy or consulate processing the visa application, and the amount of application backlog at the time of submission. Generally, it takes around 12-24 months to process a Family Reunification Visa.
FAQs:
Q1. Who is eligible to sponsor someone for a Family Reunification Visa?
A. US citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) are eligible to sponsor their family members for a Family Reunification Visa.
Q2. Who is eligible for a Family Reunification Visa?
A. The spouse, unmarried children under 21 years of age, unmarried children over 21 years of age, parents, and siblings of a US citizen or Green Card holder are eligible for a Family Reunification Visa.
Q3. What is the difference between a US citizen and a Green Card holder?
A. A US citizen was born or naturalized in the United States, while a Green Card holder is a lawful permanent resident who Is authorized to live and work in the US permanently but is not as a result a citizen.
Q4. Can more than one person sponsor the same beneficiary for a Family Reunification Visa?
A. Yes, multiple US citizens or Green Card holders can sponsor the same beneficiary for a Family Reunification Visa.
Q5. Can a beneficiary work in the USA on a Family Reunification Visa?
A. Yes, once a beneficiary receives a Family Reunification Visa and enters the USA, they are allowed to work in the USA.
Conclusion:
The Family Reunification Visa is an excellent option for US citizens and Green Card holders who want to reunite with their family members living abroad. While the process can seem daunting, it’s relatively straightforward if you follow the right steps and ensure you have all the required documentation. This guide will help you understand the Family Reunification Visa process and how you can go about applying for it. We hope this article serves as a helpful tool to achieve family reunification for you and your loved ones.