How U.S. Citizens And Lawful Permanent Residents Can Sponsor Family Members For Immigration To Los Angeles, CA

Living in Los Angeles is a dream for many. U.S. citizens and those with permanent residence status in the country can sponsor their family members for immigration to Los Angeles. Since certain technicalities are involved in the process, many permanent residents need help with bringing their families to LA. If you are caught in a similar situation and want to reunite with your family in the city, an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles can help you achieve this goal.

Introduction to Form I-130

To sponsor family members for immigration to Los Angeles, you will need to file the I-130 petition with the relevant authorities (explained in the below section). The I-130 form or Petition for Alien Relative is a document of proof of a valid familial relationship between the two parties (U.S. citizen/green card holder and a person applying for immigration). 

It is the first step in the process, and every U.S. citizen or green card holder must go through this to sponsor their families.

Family Immigration to Los Angeles – The Process

Below, we have covered the key steps involved in the immigration process. You can discuss each in detail with an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles to avoid confusion.

Determine Eligibility Status

If you are a U.S. resident, you can sponsor spouses, parents, siblings, and children (married and unmarried). Green card holders (permanent residents) can sponsor spouses and unmarried children only. Knowing the eligibility details beforehand can save you from rejected applications and time wastage.

File Petition

As a sponsoring family member, you must file Form I-130 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS takes time to review the petition and approve or reject it based on eligibility and other factors.

NVC Processing

If approved, USCIS forwards the application to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC requests the required fee and documentation from both parties (the petitioner and the beneficiary) to process the application.

Affidavit of Support

The petitioner must submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to demonstrate that they are financially able to support their family members in Los Angeles. It is proof that the immigrants will not be a burden to the petitioner and will be able to live in a decent environment.

Visa Application

After submitting all the required documents, the beneficiary must apply for a US visa at the U.S. consulate in their home country. Following the application, the beneficiary will undergo a medical examination and appear for an interview at the U.S. consulate. The embassy will process their case and provide visa approval at the designated time.

Streamline Your Family Immigration to LA With The Shahbaz Firm!

The above steps of the family immigration process highlight the key factors you need to work on before applying for a visa and traveling to Los Angeles. If you are looking for an expert immigration lawyer in Los Angeles to take the hassle away and streamline the whole process, The Shahbaz Firm is here to help you. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case.