Maryland Immigration Lawyer Helping Your Family Preserve its Unity
Sentelle Law is a Trusted Maryland Immigration Lawyer Helping Clients in Frederick, MD, Hagerstown MD, and surrounding areas with Family-Based Immigration Legal Services
Family Immigration is the primary basis for legal immigration to the United States. If you have immigrated from another country, obtained United States citizenship, and wish to help members of your family do the same, Sentelle Law can help.
The immigration legal team at Sentelle law has proudly assisted many clients in successfully petitioning for the permanent residency of their spouse, parents, children, and siblings, and initiating the process of their citizenship.
Sentelle Law understands the importance of family reunification, and is knowledgeable in immigration law and policy. Call 301-662-5600 to speak to an experienced immigration attorney today or send us a message. Services are also available in Spanish.
Trusted Family Based Immigration Attorney
The Maryland Immigration Lawyer and team at Sentelle Law Handle All Types of Family-Based Immigration and Visa Cases in Frederick MD, Hagerstown MD and Surrounding Areas
To be eligible to apply for an Immigration Visa and live permanently in the United States, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).
Sentelle Law is knowledgeable in the different types of visas, preference categories, and waivers you may need throughout your family-based immigration process.
Preference categories detailed below are for individuals who want to immigrate to the U.S. with a family sponsor, but who are not considered “immediate family members” of a U.S. citizen. The “preference” refers to the method by which the U.S. will distribute green cards each year.
Only a certain number of green cards are granted each year, and the waiting period for each category will depend on the number of visas in that category.
The Preference Categories are as Follows:
First-preference (F1): Unmarried, adult sons, and daughters of U.S. citizens
Second-preference (2A): spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents;
Second-preference (2B): unmarried children of permanent residents (21 or older);
Third Preference (F3): married sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens
Fourth Preference (F4): brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (over 21).
As green cards become available in an individual’s preference category, then the distribution is based on the time an application was filed.
Other family visas filed by U.S. citizens include:
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
K-2 Visa for the children of the fiancé(e)
K-3 Non-Immigrant Spousal Visa
K-4 Non-Immigrant Visa for child of spouse
Two Types of Family-Based Immigrant Visas:
Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.
Family Preference – these visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year.
Keep in mind that U.S. citizens can file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Son or daughter
• Parent
• Brother or sister
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Unmarried son or daughter
