Family-Sponsored Immigration

Children under 21, parents, spouses and siblings of US citizens can generally obtain permanent residence through their relative.

Permanent residents are able to sponsor only spouses and children. Some may need to apply from abroad; some may be eligible to apply while in the United States. We discuss each case with the clients to determine what is appropriate for the client=s family. We always assist the client to assemble the necessary documentation, then prepare and submit the application package to USCIS or the Department of State as appropriate. We attend US-based in-person interviews with our clients (attorneys are generally not allowed to attend overseas interviews) and participate in any necessary follow-up.

Some family members are able to immigrate fairly quickly. Relatives of permanent residents, as well as children over 21 and siblings of US citizens, must often wait for years because of annual quotas that leave them “standing on line” for years.

The approximate waiting times can be found in the Department of State Visa Bulletin.

Read about how one of our clients reunited with her high school sweetheart through permanent residence sponsorship.

Family-Sponsored Immigration Alerts

July 10, 2015

The inadequacy of the In-Country Refugee/Parole Program for Central American Minors (CAM)

July 29, 2014

Edgardo and Maria’s intimate details: Couple’s immigration interview gone wrong

May 23, 2014

Divorce does not eliminate your obligations under Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) even if you have a prenup waiving alimony

Testimonials

“We engaged Nancy Vizer to support us with a family immigration matter. We would recommend her to anyone who needs assistance with immigration.
Nancy tells you all of the options, is honest and accurate in providing estimates on how much time something will take (the wait can be painful), and makes sure that you have everything lined up to get all the appropriate documents filed properly and in a timely manner.
We have nothing negative to say about Nancy. She is a requisite professional who is very responsive. Thank you Nancy. I would use her again in a heartbeat.”
Chicago family

“I can't say enough about Nancy. Not only did she help my husband and me out with our immigration problems, she never made me feel ignorant or undereducated like some lawyers have done in the past. She never talked above me but considered our feelings at all times. She's been a lifesaver to me on other occasions as well. I recommend Nancy wholeheartedly. I only wish she practiced in every field of law possible. You don't get much better.”
Cathie

“We have known Nancy for several years. Nancy was an excellent advocate for our case. She knows the immigration process very well and is very flexible with clients as to fees. Nancy also does an excellent job of explaining difficult parts of the immigration process. We would definitely recommend her.”
Saba and John

“Nancy Vizer is an expert at immigration law and an honest adviser to her clients. Before selecting her as my lawyer, I visited and interviewed several immigration lawyers, but I chose her because of her proven record and orientation to detail. She always took the time to answer all of my questions as well as raise my attention to aspects, important to my case, which I was forgetting or overlooking. Nancy was easy to reach (evenings, weekends, or holidays) and she followed up on all of my inquiries. I have already recommended her to friends and will confidently do this in the future too.”
dilieva