Remington, Virginia Immigration Attorney
Lawyer for Family-Based and Employment-Based Immigration and Citizenship in Remington
The immigration process in the U.S.A. is complex, and it involves numerous legal requirements that affect immigrants and the family members or employers who sponsor them. At the law firm of The Estevez Group, PC, our attorney provides legal guidance to help clients address these challenges and secure their future. We care about our clients and their families, and we understand the importance of addressing and resolving these concerns. Because of this, we advocate aggressively on their behalf as they deal with issues that could affect their immigration status, and we fight to protect their rights at all times.
Family-Based Immigration
Citizens of the United States and people with lawful permanent resident status can take steps to reunite with their loved ones and live together while realizing benefits and pursuing opportunities for employment or education. In family immigration cases, both the sponsor and the family members who are seeking to come to the U.S. must meet specific requirements.
To file a petition for a visa or Green Card for a family member, a sponsor must be eligible to do so. Citizens can sponsor multiple family members, and their spouses, children, or parents may be eligible for Immediate Relative visas, which can usually be issued quickly with no annual limits. Certain family members who are not eligible for Immediate Relative visas may qualify for Family Preference visas. Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor their spouses and children for Family Preference visas as well. However, due to annual numerical limits, wait times for Family Preference visas can be significant.
A sponsor must also be willing to financially support the family member(s) they are sponsoring. They must submit an Affidavit of Support that proves that they have the ability to provide the necessary support. This affidavit will also create a legal requirement to ensure that an immigrant's needs will be met so that they will not rely on public benefits.
Immigrants who are seeking family-based visas or Green Cards must demonstrate that they are eligible based on their relationship to the sponsor. They must also complete any required medical examinations and background checks to show that their entry to the U.S. will not affect public health and safety.
Impact of Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status on Family Immigration
In some cases, minors in the U.S. who have been neglected or abused by one or both of their parents may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status. While SIJ status will allow a minor to continue living in the United States and become a lawful permanent resident, the ability of SIJ recipients to sponsor family members for immigration may be limited. Our attorney can help minors obtain SIJ status and make sure they understand what sponsorship options will be available to them.
Employment-Based Immigration
U.S. laws provide multiple options for immigration based on employment. Sponsorship from an employer is a requirement in many employment-based visas, and both employees and employers will need to understand what requirements will apply to them.
Non-immigrant work visas provide temporary legal status for people who work in specific jobs. A person who receives this type of visa will be allowed to enter the United States and work for a U.S. employer, but they will usually be required to leave the country after a few years, although extensions may be possible in some cases. Visas that may be available to certain employees include H-1B visas and L-1 visas.
For workers who are seeking long-term employment in the United States and permanent residence, immigrant visas may be available. These visas will allow workers to receive Green Cards through sponsorship by employers. There are several categories of workers who may qualify for immigrant visas, and due to a limited number of visas that are available each year, they are issued in an order of preference. People with high levels of ability are given first preference, and lower levels of preference will be given to workers with high-level educational degrees, professionals, and skilled or unskilled employees.
Our lawyer provides guidance on the steps that must be followed during the process of applying for work-based visas. We can help ensure that employees submit the correct information to demonstrate their qualifications, and we also assist with employer compliance, making sure they follow the correct steps to provide sponsorship for workers.
Applying for U.S. Citizenship
Naturalization is the process through which immigrants may become citizens of the United States. Citizenship offers significant benefits, including voting rights, no restrictions on travel around the world, and complete protection against deportation.
Understanding the requirements for applying for naturalization can sometimes be difficult. In general, a person must have a valid Green Card, and they must have maintained their lawful permanent resident status and shown that they have good moral character for at least five years. They will also need to meet requirements for living in the United States for a certain amount of time.
After submitting an application for naturalization, a person will attend a citizenship interview where they will verify that they are eligible for naturalization. At this time, they will also take tests on U.S. civics and show that they can read, write, and speak English at a basic level. After receiving approval, they will take an Oath of Allegiance, and they will be eligible to receive a U.S. passport.
Our firm helps clients prepare for each step in the naturalization process, ensuring their path to citizenship is as smooth as possible.
Contact Our Remington, VA Immigration Lawyer
If you need assistance with immigration matters, The Estevez Group, PC will be there with you throughout every step of your journey. Whether you are just beginning the process or have encountered problems during your immigration journey, we will advise you on the best steps you can take to protect your future. Call 703-829-5179 or submit a contact form online to schedule your free consultation.
