Family Visa Lawyer in Phoenix

Kanu & Associates, P.C. Your Pathway to Family Reunification

Kanu & Associates, P.C. brings a unique understanding to the situations faced by those who wish to bring family members to the United States. Throughout their careers, the team at Kanu has assisted US citizens, permanent residents, and those with refugee or asylee status in bringing their spouses, children, parents, siblings, and fiancé(e)s to our country by obtaining visas that allow them to live and work here. We have developed the skills and experience that enable us to help immigrants clear legal hurdles and candidly advise them when they cannot.

Get the help you need from an experienced family visa attorney. Contact us at (602) 353-7795 or access our online form without delay. Hablamos Español.

Understanding Family-Based Visas Through a Family Visa Attorney in Phoenix

Family-based visas are a common way for individuals to immigrate to the United States and be reunited with their family members. These visas are available for spouses, children, parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Our experienced immigration lawyers at Kanu & Associates, P.C. can help guide you through the complex process of obtaining a family-based visa, ensuring that you understand the eligibility requirements, application process, and potential challenges.

In addition to the basic requirements, understanding the nuances of each visa type is crucial. For instance, the application process varies significantly between Immediate Relative visas and Family Preference visas, each with distinct eligibility criteria and timelines. Immediate Relative visas, which include spouses and unmarried children under 21, typically have fewer restrictions and a faster process. On the other hand, Family Preference visas cover a broader category of relatives but often come with longer waiting periods and more detailed application requirements.

Navigating the intricate details of family-based immigration also requires familiarity with potential pitfalls, such as ensuring all paperwork meets current legal standards and deadlines are diligently observed. Our firm prioritizes staying updated with ever-changing immigration policies to ensure our clients receive accurate advice and support.

Benefits of family-based visas include:

• Reuniting with family members in the U.S. - Bringing families together
• Potential path to permanent residency and citizenship - Offering a secure future
• Access to work and study opportunities in the U.S. - Expanding personal growth
• Opportunity to live and build a life with your loved ones - Enabling a complete family life

Whether you are seeking to sponsor a family member or looking to obtain a family-based visa, our team is dedicated to providing personalized legal assistance to help you navigate the immigration system with confidence. Our in-depth consultations aim to clarify the complexities of each application stage, ensuring you are well-equipped to make informed decisions about your immigration journey.

Determine Your Immigration Status with a Family Visa Lawyer

When Kanu & Associates, P.C., examines your case, we will first need to know what your status is within the US. Your status will determine which family members or future family members (fiancé) you can bring to the US. Our immigration lawyers in Phoenix, Arizona, can walk you through each of these steps.

Generally speaking, you may help a family member immigrate here if you are a US citizen, a permanent resident (or “green card” holder), or a refugee or asylee admitted as such within the past two years.

The next step will be to determine your options depending on your relationship with the person you wish to sponsor. The relative’s age and marital status may be factors as well. Our firm plays a pivotal role in analyzing your specific circumstances, providing customized strategies to address every unique situation. Each immigration path has its regulations and intricacies, and our personalized service ensures you receive guidance specific to your case requirements.

Our knowledgeable marriage visa attorney in Phoenix is prepared to guide you through your case. Contact us via online form or call (602) 353-7795 to book your consultation.

Sponsoring Relatives: Guidance from a Family Visa Attorney

What to Do If You Are a US Citizen

As a US citizen, you can petition for many different types of relatives to join you in the US, including:

• Fiance
• Spouse
• Children who are unmarried and under age 21
• Children who are married and / or age 21 and older
• Parents (if you are age 21 or older)
• Siblings (if you are age 21 or older)

If the immigrant you are sponsoring is an “immediate relative,” they will not need to wait in line for a visa. Relatives who fall in this category are spouses, children who are unmarried and under age 21, and parents (if you are age 21 or older). If the relative does not fall into these categories, then the relative will wait in line with other immigrants who are waiting to come to the US from the same country or region based on the same relationship.

If the relative is inside the US and he or she is a spouse or unmarried child under age 21, they can be admitted to the US on a non-immigrant K-3 or K-4 visa while awaiting a decision on the Form I-130 petition. Kanu & Associates, P.C., can help you to fill out the paperwork to obtain such a visa. After getting a visa number, the relative will then apply to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which adjusts their status to that of a permanent resident.

If the relative is outside the US, the petition will be sent to the National Visa Center, which will then forward the petition to the US consulate in the relative’s geographic area. The consulate’s office will notify the relative when the visa is ready.

Immediate relatives can expect approval for their I-130 petition within five to nine months. Other family members may see longer wait times, up to several years. Any relative’s place in line is based on the date of filing the I-130 petition, so it is important to file as soon as possible. Our legal team emphasizes prompt filing combined with meticulous preparation to prevent unnecessary delays.

If you are seeking to sponsor your fiancé for immigration to the US, you will follow a slightly different process. You will need to file a Form I-129, Petition for Alien Fiancé. Our attorneys are prepared to assist you with this nuanced process, from document compilation to communicating with relevant immigration authorities.

What to Do If You Are a Permanent US Resident

As a permanent US resident or green card holder, you can petition for a spouse or an unmarried child to obtain permanent resident status here.

The process is essentially the same as if you were a US citizen sponsoring a family-based immigrant. It involves filing the same I-130 and I-485 petitions at the appropriate times.

However, there is no “immediate relative” status. This means that filing a petition and meeting the other requirements will put the relative in line with other foreign nationals waiting to immigrate from the same country / preference category. The visa will become available based on the category he or she falls in and the date the Form I-130 was filed (or “priority date”).

Our firm understands the complexities and challenges that permanent residents face when trying to reunite with family. We offer tailored advice and strategies to increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Detailed case preparation and strategy development are part of the comprehensive services we offer to ensure the path to family reunification is as clear and efficient as possible.

What to Do If You Are a Refugee / Asylee

As a refugee or asylee in the US, you may petition for a spouse or a child (as long as the child was unmarried or under age 21 at the time you applied for refugee/asylum status) to come to the US to permanently live and work here.

The process is very different from sponsoring an immigrant as a US citizen or permanent resident.

In particular, you would need to file a Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, and you would need to show that you are the principal refugee/asylee, you entered the US as a refugee or asylee within the previous two years, and you currently remain here as a refugee/asylee or have become a permanent resident.

You also need to show that the spouse/child relationship existed before you came to the US. In other words, you must have been married before you came here as a refugee/asylee, or the child must have been born or conceived before you came here.

Our dedicated team at Kanu & Associates, P.C. ensures that refugees and asylees receive vital information and support through every stage of this distinct process. We understand the sensitive nature of these situations and offer compassionate guidance, addressing any legal questions or concerns that may arise during the petition process.

Connect with an experienced marriage immigration attorney in Phoenix now. Dial (602) 353-7795 or submit an online form to get started.

Navigating Local Immigration Challenges with a Family Visa Lawyer in Phoenix

Phoenix is a diverse city with a vibrant immigrant community, but it also presents unique challenges for those seeking family-based visas and marriage immigration. Arizona laws can sometimes add layers of complexity to the immigration process, particularly regarding documentation and application procedures that are specific to the state. It's important to be aware of these local nuances to avoid any potential setbacks.

Understanding the state's legal landscape can make a significant difference in the success of your visa application. For instance, Phoenix's proximity to the Mexico border underscores the need for precision in documentation and adherence to local and federal regulations. Community organizations in Phoenix also offer resources for new immigrants, which can be invaluable during the adjustment period. By working with Kanu & Associates, P. C., you benefit from our familiarity with local legal dynamics and support networks.

How Kanu & Associates, P.C. Stands Out in Phoenix for Marriage Visa Lawyer Services

With over 20 years of experience, Kanu & Associates, P. C. stands out as a trusted partner in the Phoenix community for those navigating the complexities of immigration law. One of our key differentiators is our empathetic approach to client relationships. Understanding the anxiety and emotional strain typically accompanying immigration processes, we prioritize genuine communication and authoritative advice. This contributes not just to successful case outcomes, but also to lasting client relationships grounded in trust and understanding.

We are committed to not only providing legal solutions but also offering peace of mind. Our unique perspective, along with our commitment to personal client service—where no case is passed off to less experienced staff—ensures that each client receives the dedicated attention they deserve. Our proactive methods and deep-rooted connections within the Phoenix community further solidify us as leading figures in immigration law, capable of handling even the most nuanced challenges that clients may face.

For experienced guidance, turn to a skilled marriage visa lawyer from Kanu & Associates, P. C.. Contact us or call (602) 353-7795 to secure a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Family Visa Lawyer Services

What Is the Difference Between a K-1 Visa and a K-3 Visa?

The K-1 and K-3 visas serve different purposes in the immigration spectrum. The K-1 visa is commonly known as the fiancé visa and is used by U.S. citizens to bring their fiancé(e) to the United States. Once the visa is granted, the couple must marry within 90 days. On the other hand, the K-3 visa allows a foreign spouse to enter the U.S. while waiting for their immigrant visa petition to be processed. It essentially serves as a bridge to reuniting married couples sooner rather than waiting for a marriage-based green card to be issued. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting the appropriate visa channel for your needs. Each path carries its own set of requirements with varying preparation and duration considerations. At Kanu & Associates, P. C., we help you navigate these options effectively, minimizing delays and roadblocks.

How Can I Prove My Marriage Is Genuine for Immigration Purposes?

Proving the authenticity of your marriage is a pivotal aspect of the immigration process, often requiring substantial documentation. Common ways to establish the legitimacy of your marriage include joint financial accounts, shared property leases or deeds, and a comprehensive collection of photographs together over time. Communication records, like phone logs and messages, also add substantive weight. Some couples may also choose to provide affidavits from friends or family who can attest to the nature of their relationship. Engaging the experienced team at Kanu & Associates, P. C. ensures that no stone is left unturned in compiling these documents. We help clients prepare strong, well-documented cases that satisfy immigration authorities. Missteps in this area can lead to delays or even denials, so comprehensive guidance is an invaluable resource.

What Are the Most Common Delays in Marriage Visa Processing?

Common delays in marriage visa processing often stem from incomplete applications, missing documentation, or errors in the submitted paperwork. These preventable issues can cause significant hold-ups, making thoroughness and attention to detail paramount. Other factors contributing to delays can include extended background checks, scheduling difficulties for required interviews, or issues verifying information provided in the application. Systemic backlogs at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can also lead to longer processing times, independent of the quality of your submission. Having knowledgeable representation like Kanu & Associates, P. C. helps avoid these pitfalls. We offer proactive management of your application, ensuring that it is complete and free of common errors that could result in time-consuming setbacks.

How Do Local Phoenix Immigration Services Compare to Federal Options?

Local Phoenix immigration services often provide benefits that federal options cannot, mostly in terms of personalized service and understanding of specific local laws and nuances. Working with a local firm like Kanu & Associates, P. C. allows you to tap into regional resources, cultural awareness, and an understanding of local immigrant communities. This local perspective complements federal processes by offering flexibility and immediate support that aligns with community needs. Additionally, local services may help bridge language gaps and offer more accessible consultation opportunities. This integrated approach often facilitates smoother coordination and problem-solving, particularly when immediate or emergency assistance is required.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Local Family Visa Lawyer in Phoenix?

Hiring a local family visa lawyer in Phoenix offers numerous advantages, from personalized attention to expertise in local immigration laws. Phoenix-based lawyers possess a robust understanding of the unique cultural landscape in the area and can navigate intricate local and state regulations with ease. This localized expertise allows for more strategic planning and often leads to better-informed decision-making. Moreover, local attorneys maintain relationships with nearby USCIS offices and other critical entities, facilitating smoother case management.

Additionally, local lawyers like those at Kanu & Associates, P. C. offer a genuinely personalized approach that larger firms may not provide, often delivering more prompt responses to inquiries and more dedicated focus on each client's individual situation. The value of having a local advocate cannot be overstated when it comes to the emotionally charged journey of immigration.

Get Help Today from a Family-Based Visa Lawyer

There are many steps involved in the family-based immigration process. Forms need to be filled out efficiently, completely, and accurately. Documentation needs to be compiled and presented in a timely manner. At Kanu & Associates, P.C., we understand how daunting this process can be to many who seek to bring family members to America as immigrants.

Our team brings a combination of knowledge, experience, and dedication to every engagement, ensuring clients are well-informed and confident in their applications. We take the time to understand your individual circumstances, providing holistic support that considers all elements of your immigration needs.

Contact us to set up a meeting with an immigration lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona.