Family Immigration Attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina
Practice Areas
At Herhusky Law Office, PLLC, we understand how important family is. We are committed to helping families stay together through the complicated family immigration processes. Whether you are looking to sponsor a family member for permanent residency or bring your fiancé to the United States, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our immigration law firm serves clients throughout the Raleigh area, including Durham, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Wilson Wilmington, greater North Carolina, and beyond. Call today to schedule a consultation with our experienced family immigration attorney.
What Is Family Immigration?
Family immigration is a path for families to reunite or stay together in the United States. It involves various visa categories and processes designed to bring or keep family members together.
The immediate relative visa category is reserved for close family members of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, children, and parents. The family preference visa category, on the other hand, is available for extended family members, and is subject to annual numerical limits.
Family immigration can be a complex process, often requiring detailed documentation and adherence to strict timelines. It covers categories such as immediate relative visas, family preference visas, and fiancé visas.
The success of your application depends on the accuracy and completeness of the paperwork you submit. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may need the services of an immigration attorney.
Bring Family Members to the U.S.
Types of Family Immigration
There are various types of family immigration that may apply to your unique situation. Our team at Herhusky Law Office is experienced in handling the following types:
1. Marriage-based Visas
This type of visa is available for foreign spouses of US citizens or lawful permanent residents. The marriage must be legally recognized in both countries and must not have been entered into solely for immigration purposes.
Spouses of U.S. citizens may apply for either a CR1 (conditional) or IR1 (immediate relative) visa, depending on the duration of the marriage at the time of application.
2. Fiancé Visas
If you are engaged to a foreign national and wish to bring them to the United States to get married, a fiancé visa may be the best option for you. This type of visa allows your fiancé to enter the US for 90 days so that you can get married and file for permanent residency. If the marriage does not occur within the 90-day window, your fiancé will need to leave the United States.
3. Parent / Child Sponsorship
US citizens can sponsor their parents, children, or stepchildren for permanent residency in the United States. However, there are specific requirements and limitations depending on the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
Beneficiaries must undergo a comprehensive background check and medical examination as part of the application procedure. All documentation proving the familial relationship is accurate and current to avoid delays or complications in the application process.
4. Sibling Sponsorship
U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can sponsor their brothers and sisters for permanent residency. This process can take several years due to limited visa availability, but it ultimately allows families to reunite in the United States.
Due to annual numerical limitations on available visas, processing times for sibling sponsorships can span several years. It is crucial to ensure all documentation is meticulously prepared and submitted promptly to avoid any unnecessary delays.
5. Adoption-based Visas
Families apply for adoption-based visas to bring their adopted children from their country of birth to the United States. The adoption must comply with the laws of both the child's home country and the United States, and specific requirements must be met for the child to qualify for a visa.
These visas include the IR-3 and IR-4 visas, depending on whether the adoption was completed abroad or will be finalized in the United States. Adoptive parents must demonstrate that the child qualifies as an orphan or meets the requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention, providing a stable and loving home for the child.
6. Humanitarian Parole
In certain urgent situations, families can apply for humanitarian parole to temporarily bring a family member to the United States. This is a temporary measure and is not a pathway to permanent residency, but it can be helpful in cases of emergencies or significant humanitarian reasons.
It is typically granted for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, such as medical emergencies or reunifications in extreme cases. Applicants must provide compelling documentation to demonstrate the necessity of the parole request and its urgency.
Family Immigration Attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina
Choosing the right immigration attorney is crucial to the success of your family’s immigration case. Herhusky Law Office, PLLC, provides exceptional legal services to families in Raleigh, North Carolina, and beyond. Our approachable and professional team of attorneys is ready to assist with all your family immigration needs. Call today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reuniting your family in the United States. We are here to help you every step of the way. Together, we can achieve your family’s immigration goals.