Family-based Permanent Residency

The immigration lawyers at CML have been assisting families with U.S. “green card” applications for over 30 years. The time that it takes to obtain permanent residence status for a family member based upon a relative petition can be considerable and varies tremendously, depending on a number of factors, including:

  • the family relationship,

  • the beneficiary’s country of origin,

  • in the case of a spouse – where the marriage took place,

  • the current backlogs for immigrant visas,

  • whether the beneficiary is abroad or currently in the United States, and

  • the priority date. For current dates please see the Visa Bulletin.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas

 

The K-1 category is used for fiancé(e)s of US citizens who reside outside of the US and who are coming to the US in order to conclude a valid marriage. The couple must have met in person within the two years preceding the petition. The petition is filed with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Following USCIS approval, the fiancé(e) applies for a visa with the US consulate in his or her home country.

Immediate Relatives: Spouses, Children (unmarried and under age 21), and Parents of US Citizens

 

There is no limit on the number of immigrant visas for “Immediate Relatives,” meaning that they may be immediately eligible for “greencard” status which includes the right to live and work in the US on a permanent basis. Marriage-based greencards for new marriages are conditional for two years, after which an application to remove conditions must be filed.

Preference Category Relatives

 

All other relatives of US citizens or lawful permanent residents must qualify for an immigrant visa under one of the four family-based preference categories. These include:

  • Unmarried sons and daughters (over 21) of US citizens;

  • Spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents or greencard holders;

  • Married sons and daughters of US citizens;

  • Siblings of US citizens.

Serving families in Bellevue, Kent, Kirkland, Portland, Redmond, Renton, Seattle, Spokane, Snohomish County, Tacoma, and other communities in the Pacific Northwest.