Application Process for Venezuelan Family Members Immigrating to the U.S.
Permanent residents and citizens of the United States can file petitions on behalf of family members who live in Venezuela. It is a method by which the U.S. serves to reunify families. The process is fairly straightforward; there are basic steps that need to be made whether you are a citizen or permanent resident.
The overall goal is to obtain a green card for a family member. It’s a long, slow process that demands your every attention to detail. Many applicants and hopeful individuals seek the counsel and advice of a U.S. immigration lawyer. The processing time is influenced by the following factors:
- Your relationship to the family member;
- Your immigration and citizenship status;
- Personal circumstances related to the request
Understanding the application process beforehand can help you plan for various needs and the overarching strategy of the case.
Which Venezuelan Families Members Can I Bring to the U.S.?
When trying to bring your family members from Venezuela, your petition will be placed into one of two categories: immediate relatives or family preference relatives. Immediate relatives are not limited to the number of green cards distributed annually. They usually encompass spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents.
Family preference relatives are dependent upon the green card quota allotted every year. Since there are many applications made for this request, the wait times are often very long. It can even span over decades. Family preference relatives are categorized even further:
First Preference: Unmarried children of U.S. citizens regardless of age. Children must remain unmarried upon filing and receipt of the green card.
Second Preference: Children and spouses of green card holders.
Third Preference: Married children of U.S. citizens their minor children.
Fourth Preference: Siblings of U.S. citizens, their spouses, and their minor children. Half-siblings qualify for this preference as well.
Working with an immigration attorney can help you understand the qualification requirements for specific situations related to your family immigrating from Venezuela.
What Happens After You Submit an Application for Immigration to the U.S.?
Qualified family members will have their cases sent to the National Visa Center, or NVC, for review. The application will be filed and held until the designated waiting period is over. In short, you will be hanging tough for a long period of time while waiting for the processing of your application.
The Venezuela TPS Act of 2019 May Provide Relief
Due to the deepening exodus and mass crisis in Venezuela, a new bill has been introduced. The Venezuela TPS Act of 2019 seeks to solve problems related to economic, security, and refugee crises that affect the country. If passed, the Venezuela TPS Act would allow for temporary employment of eighteen months while avoiding deportation. The bill will be heard during the next legislative session.
Contact Omar Salguero Law today to move your case forward as quickly as possible. We have been proudly serving families in the Northern Illinois area. For more information, please reach out to our office by calling 815-446-0770 or completing our online form.