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Family Preference Visas

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Houston Family Preference Visa Lawyer

Being separated from the people you care about most by national borders is incredibly difficult. You want nothing more than to bring your family together to share your life in the United States, but if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident hoping to sponsor a relative, you might feel completely overwhelmed by the legal steps ahead.

Facing U.S. immigration law can be daunting. But with the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC by your side, you do not have to take on the process alone. We are here to provide the clear, empathetic legal support you need to reunite your family.

What Are Family Preference Visas?

U.S. immigration law divides family-based green cards into two main groups: immediate relative visas and family preference visas.

Immediate relative visas are for the spouses, unmarried children younger than 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. The government does not place an annual limit on these visas, meaning these family members can apply for a green card as soon as their petition is approved.

Family preference visas, on the other hand, are for more distant family relationships. This pathway opens doors for relatives like spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and adult children or siblings of U.S. citizens. Because the government sets strict annual limits, or quotas, on how many of these visas can be issued each year, the demand often exceeds the supply. This creates a backlog, meaning your relative may need to wait in line before a visa becomes available to them.

Family Preference Visa Categories

The U.S. immigration system organizes these visas into distinct preference categories, which will determine your relative’s place in line. These include:

  • First Preference (F1): Unmarried daughters and sons, 21 years of age and older, of U.S. citizens.
  • Second Preference (F2A): Spouses of lawful permanent residents, as well as their children who are not married and are under 21 years of age.
  • Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried sons and daughters, 21 years and older, of lawful permanent residents.
  • Third Preference (F3): Married daughters and sons of U.S. citizens.
  • Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings (brothers and sisters) of U.S. citizens, as long as the sponsoring citizen is at least 21 years of age.

Because of the annual quotas, family preference visas require patience. Wait times can vary significantly depending on the category and the applicant’s home country.

Helping Protect Your Family’s Future

When your family’s future together is on the line, working with an experienced immigration lawyer is invaluable. Marron Gebremeskel isn’t just an immigration lawyer; she’s an advocate who understands the system from the inside out and approaches every case with the care it deserves.

When you trust us with your case, we will:

  • Ensure Accuracy: We carefully prepare your initial petition to establish your priority date as early as possible, free of errors.
  • Monitor Your Progress: We keep track of the Visa Bulletin and relevant quotas to notify you when it is time to take the next step.
  • Provide Peace of Mind: Our commitment to clear communication means we keep you informed every step of the way, removing the confusion from the legal process.

Reunite Your Family Through Family Preference Visas

Let us help you and your family find the path to a brighter, shared future. Contact the Law Office of Marron Gebremeskel PLLC today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you bring your family home.

Let’s Move Forward Together

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step with
a team that puts your story at the center of everything we do.

We’ll help you explore pathways to a brighter future.

Call Us Today!

Houston/Katy Office: 832-786-5527

Mansfield Office: 817-389-6824

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