Family Based Immigration Lawyer Arlington, VA

In most cases, a lawful or permanent U.S. resident files for an immigrant to get permission to live in the country. For help with this process, contact The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C. Our Arlington family based immigration lawyer will guide you through the easiest path to obtaining visas for your loved ones. Call today to set up a meeting and learn what your options are.

Working with a Family Based Immigration Lawyer

We will outline all of the evidence and documentation you need to provide to get your family members’ visa applications approved. Depending on your relationship, it is easier. For example, immediate relatives are granted visas based on their relationship with a spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent if they are over 21 years old. There are also provisions for orphans who you have adopted from another country. Our family based immigration lawyer will make sure all the paperwork is filed correctly and that your immediate relatives meet all the necessary requirements for approval.

Getting visas for distant family members is a little more complicated. While it is possible for you to sponsor your adult children if you are a U.S. citizen, there are limits, and preference is given depending on age and relation to you. It is not possible for an aunt, uncle, cousin, or grandparent to sponsor someone for immigration. Our family based immigration lawyer has an in-depth understanding of immigration law and will advise you on the best way to sponsor your distant relatives. We will also point out any potential objections and make suggestions for correction.

There are requirements applicants must complete before entering the country. For example, immigrants must have a medical exam. Additionally, as the sponsoring family member, you must be able to supply proof that you make enough money to support whoever you are helping get a visa. Our family based immigration lawyer will guide you through every requirement so the process is as seamless as possible for you and your family.

Benefits Of Working With A Family Based Immigration Lawyer

In addition to helping immigrant family members come over to the U.S., our Arlington family based immigration lawyer represents the interests and rights of non-citizens in court. We accompany you to every hearing or interview related to your citizenship status to ensure you are supported and understand every step of the process. This partnership is especially helpful when dealing with language barriers.

At The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., we fiercely believe that families belong together and will do everything possible to simplify your immigration process. If you need help sponsoring a family member, schedule a meeting with our Arlington family based immigration lawyer now. We are dedicated to delivering the best outcomes possible and will be your advocate through filing paperwork, attending hearings, and collecting evidence to support your application. Regardless of what stage of the immigration process you are in, our firm will support you. Don’t wait any longer to begin reuniting your family. Call us today.

Naturalization For Families

Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important milestone, and your Arlington, VA family based immigration lawyer can help you get there. Naturalization and finally achieving citizenship can feel like a long road, but knowing what to expect can make the journey easier.

At The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., we work with families to help them move toward this significant goal. We’ve represented clients at every level of jurisdiction, from immigration court to federal district and circuit courts. Our attorneys have years of experience with deportation, criminal immigration, asylum immigration, and more. We’re ready to help you, next. Read on to learn more about naturalization for families, and contact us today to get started.

Eligibility For Family Naturalization

Naturalization eligibility often depends on a few key factors, including lawful permanent resident status, time spent in the United States, and adherence to the country’s laws. If one member of the family has already become a U.S. citizen, others may qualify for naturalization through a streamlined process. Spouses, children, and other immediate family members often have pathways to citizenship that differ slightly from those applying individually, so it’s important to get in touch with an Arlington family based immigration lawyer you can trust.

The Application Process

The naturalization process begins with completing Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. This form asks for detailed information about your background, residency, and other personal details. It’s important to fill out this application carefully and provide all the required documentation to avoid delays.

After submitting the application, families should expect to receive a notice for biometrics. During this step, applicants provide fingerprints, photographs, and signatures for background checks. Each family member applying for naturalization will need to complete this step individually.

The next phase includes an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. During this meeting, applicants will answer questions about their application and take the citizenship test, which evaluates knowledge of U.S. history and government. Preparing for the interview and test is an important step in this process, and families can study together to make it a shared experience.

Special Considerations For Children

For families with children, there are additional factors to keep in mind during naturalization. Children under 18 often derive citizenship automatically if one or both parents become U.S. citizens, as long as the children reside in the United States as lawful permanent residents. This automatic process can simplify things for younger family members, but specific criteria must still be met.

Benefits Of Family Naturalization

When families achieve naturalization together, the benefits are significant. Citizenship provides the ability to vote, access to additional legal protections, and opportunities for better employment. It also offers the security of knowing that the family’s legal status in the U.S. is permanent. For parents, it’s often about creating a strong foundation for the next generation.

How We Can Help

At The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., we know that every family’s path to naturalization is unique. Whether you’re starting the process or have hit a roadblock, we’re here to guide you each step of the way. Call us today, and see what an Arlington family based immigration lawyer from our team can do for you.

Common Delays In Family Immigration Cases

Your Arlington, Virginia family based immigration lawyer can walk you through your next steps. At The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., we’ve helped our clients with a broad range of immigration cases, ranging from deportation defense to citizenship. We’re ready to use our years of experience to help you keep your family together. Read on to learn more about family immigration cases.

1. Missing Or Incomplete Documents

One of the most common reasons for delays is incomplete paperwork. Every immigration application requires specific documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of financial support. If even one required document is missing or incorrect, the case can be put on hold while waiting for the right information. Double-checking that all paperwork is complete before submission can help prevent unnecessary setbacks. If you want to avoid this delay, make sure you contact your Arlington family based immigration lawyer before you submit your documents.

2. Background Checks And Security Clearances

As part of the immigration process, applicants must go through background checks. This includes fingerprinting and security screenings, which can take longer than expected. If an applicant has a common name, has lived in multiple countries, or has a history that requires further review, the process may take additional time. While background checks are required for all applicants, delays can occur if the case is flagged for extra screening.

3. Government Processing Backlogs

USCIS and the Department of State handle thousands of immigration cases every year. Depending on the number of applications being processed at a given time, wait times may be longer than expected. Some visa categories also have annual limits, which can lead to extended wait periods if the number of applicants exceeds the available visas. Unfortunately, these backlogs are beyond an applicant’s control, and wait times can vary depending on the category and processing center.

4. Requests For Evidence

If immigration officials need more information to process a case, they will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). This can happen if there is missing documentation, unclear information, or if additional proof is needed to confirm eligibility. Responding to an RFE as quickly as possible with the correct documents can help keep the case moving. Failing to respond or submitting incomplete information can lead to further delays or even case denials.

5. Delays In Visa Interviews

For many family immigration cases, an in-person interview is required before a visa is approved. The wait time for an interview depends on the workload at the specific U.S. embassy or consulate. Some locations have longer backlogs than others, which can delay the final decision. Scheduling conflicts, missing documents, or incomplete medical exams can also push interview dates further out. Preparing for the interview in advance and making sure all required paperwork is ready can help prevent additional delays.

Contact Us Today

At The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., we help families through the immigration process and work to avoid unnecessary delays. If you are dealing with a processing issue or need guidance on your application, contact us today, and see how an Arlington, VA family based immigration lawyer from our team can help.