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1. Immigration Law 101:Family Immigration Presentation by Todd Gallinger
Gallinger Law
Phone: (949) 862-0010 Fax: (949) 861-6582
Email: tgallinger@gallingerlaw.com
2. Overview Q&A
Who can bring a relative to the United States?
Citizens & Permanent Residents (Green Card)
What relatives can they sponsor?
Children, spouses, parents, siblings, and fiancés.
How long does it take?
The wait period varies depending on the relationship and immigration status of the sponsor.
What status do the family members end up with?
Permanent resident status (Green Cards)
3. Immediate Relatives of Citizens
No quota on # of visas, means no wait for visas other than processing time (generally 1 – 1 ˝ years).
Applies to:
Spouses
Parents of Adult (over 21)
Minor children (under 21)
Downside – no Derivative Status
4. Preference Categories Available to both US Citizens and Green Card Holders
Has quotas, wait from 5-20 years, plus processing time. Times different for China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines
First Category:
Unmarried Sons and Daughters (any age) of US Citizens
Wait approximately 6 ˝ years
5. Preference Categories(Continued) Second Category:
Spouses and Children (under 21) of Permanent Residents
Wait approximately 5 years
Unmarried sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents
Wait approximately 9 years
6. Preference Categories(Continued) Third Category:
Married sons and daughters (any age) of US Citizens
Wait approximately 9 years
Fourth Category:
Siblings of US Citizens
Wait approximately 11 years
7. How to Apply
Petition
Form I-130
Establishes relationship
Starts wait time for quota
Always filed in US w USCIS
USCIS Fees of $355
8. How to Apply Application
Form I-485
Actual application for green card
Can be filed in US or at consulates
Normal processing time of 1 to 1 ˝ years
For “Immediate Relative”, filed same time as petition, for others, filed when petition is approved
USCIS Fees of $1010
9. How to Apply Work Authorization
Form I-765
Granted for “Immediate Relatives” while application in process
Approximately 3 months to process
No fee when filed with I-485
10. How to Apply Travel Authorization – Advance Parole
Form I-131
Allows entry to the US while application is pending
Granted for “Immediate Relatives” while application in process
Approximately 3 months to process
No fee when filed with I-485
11. “Fiancé” Visa K-Visa
Form I-129F
Available to fiancés and spouses
Faster processing at embassies, approximately 6-8 months
Fee of $455 for fiancés, no fee when filed with I-130 for spouse
12. Tips & Tricks Get your citizenship
Apply early & apply often
Chain to bring in more distant relatives
If want to bring family of immediate relative, may be better options
13. Presentation by: Todd Gallinger
Gallinger Law
20 Truman, Suite 109
Irvine, CA 92620
Phone: (949) 862-0010 Fax: (949) 861-6582
Email: tgallinger@gallingerlaw.com