Personal Permanent Visas

Personal Permanent Visas to reside in the U.S. are generally obtained by way of a designated family relationship per U.S. statute and which serves as a basis of a U.S. family member’s petition on behalf of their foreign national relative. In general, 7 types of family relationships serve as the basis of an I-130 visa petition, the first step in facilitating immigrant visa issuance on behalf of a foreign national relative. Determining which options are available and then finding a way to best carry out a plan to facilitate visa issuance starts with contacting an experienced attorney, such as Richard Hanus of the Law Offices of Richard Hanus.

Spouse of a U.S. citizen: being a married to a U.S. citizen (or lawful permanent resident who becomes a U.S. citizen) can be a vehicle to immigrant visa issuance, although marriage to a U.S. citizen brings with a speedier process. Total processing time can range from 8 to 15 months

Under 21 year old children of U.S. citizens AS WELL AS parents of adult – over 21 years old – U.S. citizens, are also eligible to obtain immigrant visas and with total processing time ranging from 8 to 15 months.

Fiancé of U.S. citizen: being engaged to a U.S. citizen can serve as the basis of a visa petition which leads to a foreign national being issued a K-1 visa to enter the U.S. in order to marry their U.S. citizen fiancé within 90 days of entry. From there, the remainder of the processing of the foreign national’s U.S. permanent residence (adjusting status) is completed in the U.S. Total processing time can range from 6 to 12 months

Family First Preference: unmarried adult (over 21 years old) children of U.S. citizens are eligible to obtain an immigrant visa, and with total processing time (from I-130 petition to visa processing) typically ranging from 5 to 12 years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

Family Second Preference -2A: unmarried, under 21 year old, children of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to be issued an immigrant visa, with total processing time (from I-130 petition filing to visa processing) typically ranging from 2 to 5 years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

Family Second Preference – 2B: unmarried, over 21 year old, children of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to be issued an immigrant visa, with total processing time (from I-130 petition filing to visa processing) typically ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

Family Third Preference: married children of U.S. citizens are eligible to be issued immigrant visas with total processing time typically ranging from 10 to 15 years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

Family Fourth Preference: siblings of U.S. citizens are eligible to be issued immigrant visas, with total processing time typically ranging from 12 to 18 years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

Success in obtaining a Permanent Personal Visa depends on finalizing and implementing an appropriate strategy. Planning the right strategy allows an applicant to select the right option from available and realistic visa choices and proper execution depends on following all prescribed rules and instructions and avoiding avoidable mistakes. Having counsel like Richard Hanus and the Law Offices of Richard Hanus by your side at these and other steps will help ensure that the right visa strategy is formulated and properly executed.