Office Location is Irving, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Office Location is Irving, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico
Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law can be a daunting task. Still, with a dedicated Dallas family immigration lawyer from John W. Lawit, LLC, you can confidently pursue your family’s path to legal residency or citizenship. Our experienced team specializes in family-based immigration, offering personalized solutions to unite families in Dallas and beyond.
As trusted Dallas family-based immigration attorneys, we provide comprehensive services to help families achieve their immigration goals. Whether you’re petitioning for a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, our firm is equipped to guide you through every step of the process.
Below are the key services we offer:
An I-130 petition is a form filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish a family relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and a foreign national relative. This petition is the first step in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa for certain family members.
Immediate relatives, including spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens, are eligible for visas without numerical limitations. This allows them to pursue lawful permanent residency upon approval of the I-130 petition and subsequent processing steps.
We assist with filing I-130 petitions to establish family relationships for immediate relative visas, enabling spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 to pursue lawful permanent residency.
Our team assists clients in applying for a green card through Adjustment of Status (I-485) if they’re already in the U.S., enabling them to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident without leaving the country. Alternatively, for those outside the U.S., the process involves consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
This requires applying for an immigrant visa at the designated consular post, which includes interviews and document submissions, before being able to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
The K-1 visa is designed explicitly for the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen who intends to marry that citizen in the United States. This visa allows the foreign national fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. for marriage within 90 days of arrival.
After the marriage, the foreign spouse can then apply for Adjustment of Status to become a lawful permanent resident. The K-1 visa process requires the U.S. citizen to file a petition with USCIS to establish the bona fide nature of the relationship and the intent to marry.
The K-3 visa is for the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen who is already married. This visa allows the foreign spouse to enter the U.S. while waiting for their immigrant visa petition (I-130) to be processed.
The K-3 visa aims to reunite spouses more quickly than waiting for the typical processing time for an immigrant visa. Like the K-1, the U.S. citizen spouse must file a petition with USCIS.
The primary purpose of the K-3 visa is to allow the foreign spouse to reside in the U.S. while the immigrant visa process is underway.
We guide clients through the K-1 fiancé(e) visa process for partners planning to marry in the U.S. and K-3 spousal visas for those already married, ensuring compliance with USCIS requirements.
For conditional green card holders, the I-751 petition is a crucial step in removing conditions on residency and securing permanent status. This filing is necessary for those who obtained their green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and received a conditional two-year green card.
The I-751 petition must be submitted within the 90-day period preceding the expiration of the conditional green card to demonstrate the validity of the marriage and ensure continued lawful permanent residency in the United States.
We assist with filing I-751 petitions to remove conditions on residency and securing permanent status.
An I-601 waiver is a crucial tool for individuals who are inadmissible to the United States due to various reasons, including specific health-related grounds, a criminal history, fraud or misrepresentation, and unlawful presence. This waiver allows applicants to request forgiveness for these inadmissibility issues, demonstrating that denying their entry or admission would result in extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.
The process requires substantial documentation to prove the hardship and is meticulously reviewed by USCIS.
The I-212 waiver is specifically designed for individuals who have previously been deported or removed from the United States and are seeking to re-enter the country. This waiver allows them to request consent to reapply for admission within a specified period, typically 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the circumstances of the removal.
Similar to the I-601, approval of the I-212 waiver is not guaranteed. It depends on factors such as the reason for the initial deportation, the applicant’s conduct since then, and the best interests of the United States as a whole.
Our immigration attorneys in Dallas handle complex waiver applications to address issues of inadmissibility, such as prior deportations or unlawful presence.
The F2 visa category is for spouses and unmarried children of Lawful Permanent Residents (also known as Green Card holders). It includes two subcategories: F2A for spouses and unmarried children under 21, and F2B for unmarried adult children over 21.
Visa availability is based on priority dates, and there are annual numerical limitations, which means waiting times can vary significantly depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
The F3 category is for married children of U.S. citizens. Regardless of age, if the child of a U.S. citizen is married, they fall under the F3 category.
Similar to other preference categories, there are numerical limits, resulting in potential wait times based on visa availability and the applicant’s country of origin.
Finally, the F4 visa category is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. To qualify, the U.S. citizen petitioner must be at least 21 years old.
This category also has numerical limitations and significant backlogs, often resulting in long wait times for visa availability.
We manage family preference petitions for extended family members, including adult children and siblings, navigating the F2, F3, and F4 visa categories.
Family-based immigration can be a rewarding journey, but it often comes with obstacles that require careful navigation. At John W. Lawit, LLC, our experienced family immigration lawyers in Dallas understand these challenges and provide tailored strategies to address them, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.
Proving a bona fide relationship in family-based immigration can present significant challenges. Immigration authorities scrutinize the authenticity of relationships to prevent fraudulent marriages that are solely intended to obtain immigration benefits.
This often requires extensive documentation and evidence, such as joint financial records, photos, travel history, and testimonials from friends and family. The pressure to provide irrefutable proof can be stressful, and any inconsistencies or lack of compelling evidence may raise red flags, leading to delays or denials.
Additionally, cultural differences or unique relationship dynamics may not conform to the typical mold, making it more challenging to demonstrate the genuine nature of the relationship to the satisfaction of immigration officials.
At John W. Lawit, LLC, we understand the nuances of proving a bona fide relationship. We meticulously guide our clients through the process of gathering the necessary evidence. By focusing on creating a compelling and credible case, we aim to alleviate the stress associated with this process and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Visa backlogs and wait times present significant challenges in the family-based immigration process, causing prolonged separation for families and uncertainty about their future. These delays are often due to numerical limitations on specific visa categories and high demand.
At John W. Lawit, LLC, we address these issues by providing detailed consultations to set realistic expectations about timelines, closely monitoring case progress to identify any potential delays, and proactively communicating updates to our clients. We also ensure that applications are meticulously prepared and filed to minimize errors that could further extend the waiting period.
By staying informed about the latest USCIS processing trends and visa bulletin updates, our Dallas immigration lawyers can guide clients through the process as efficiently as possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of visa backlogs and wait times.
Inadmissibility issues pose significant hurdles in family-based immigration, as factors such as a criminal history, prior immigration violations, or health concerns can disqualify applicants. These complexities require meticulous legal arguments to demonstrate eligibility for waivers, such as the I-601 or I-212, to secure approval.
Addressing these issues involves a thorough review of each client’s background, preparation of compelling waiver applications that highlight extreme hardship to qualifying relatives, and ensuring all necessary evidence is presented to overcome potential obstacles and secure favorable outcomes.
Documentation errors can significantly impede the family-based immigration process, resulting in delays, requests for additional evidence, and even denials. Mistakes in forms, incomplete paperwork, or inconsistent information can raise red flags with USCIS officials and undermine the credibility of an application.
To address these issues, we meticulously review every document for accuracy and completeness before submission. Our Dallas immigration lawyers ensure that all forms are filled out correctly, supporting evidence is organized and relevant, and that there are no discrepancies in the information provided.
By paying close attention to detail and thoroughly checking all requirements, we strive to minimize errors and prevent potential complications in the immigration process.
Financial sponsorship requirements can be a significant obstacle in family-based immigration, as U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsors must demonstrate an income that meets or exceeds 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. This can be challenging for individuals with limited income or those who have recently experienced job loss or changes in financial circumstances.
If a sponsor’s income is insufficient, it may result in delays or denial of the visa application, causing further stress and uncertainty for the family. To address these issues, we assist clients by thoroughly evaluating their financial situation and exploring all available options to find the most suitable solution.
If the sponsor’s income falls short, we help identify potential co-sponsors or guide them through the process of using assets to meet the financial requirements. Our team meticulously prepares the Affidavit of Support, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and compliant with USCIS standards, which strengthens the application and mitigates the risk of financial sponsorship-related problems.
Choosing the right Dallas family-based immigration law firm is critical to your success. At John W. Lawit, LLC, our AILA-registered experts bring decades of experience, a deep understanding of USCIS processes, and a commitment to personalized service.
Based in Dallas, we’re proud to serve our local community with tailored solutions. Our track record of client success reflects our dedication to reuniting families through the green card process, naturalization, and other immigration services.
We prioritize clear communication, ensuring you feel supported throughout the entire process.
Our streamlined process makes family immigration straightforward:
This approach minimizes stress and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
Ready to begin your family’s immigration journey? Contact John W. Lawit, LLC, your dedicated Dallas family-based immigration lawyers, today.
Schedule a detailed consultation to discuss your case, understand your eligibility, and explore the best path forward for your family. With over four decades of experience and a commitment to personalized service, we’re here to support you every step of the way, from filing initial petitions to securing permanent residency.
Call our Dallas family immigration law firm now at (214) 609‑2242 and take the first step toward reuniting your family in the United States.
The timeline varies depending on the visa type and circumstances. Immediate relative visas typically take 12–18 months to process, including I-130 approval and either Adjustment of Status or consular processing.
Family preference categories may take several years due to visa backlogs, with wait times depending on the applicant’s country and category. Our team at John W. Lawit, LLC, monitors your case to minimize delays.
If you’re in the U.S. and applying for Adjustment of Status, you can request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765. Approval typically takes 3–6 months, allowing you to work legally while your green card application is processed.
K-1 fiancé(e) visa holders may also apply for an EAD after entering the U.S. We assist clients in preparing these applications to ensure compliance.
When USCIS denies petitions for family-based visas, you may receive a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) or a denial letter explaining the reasons, such as insufficient evidence or ineligibility. Depending on the situation, you may be able to file an appeal, a motion to reopen, or a new petition.
Our Dallas immigration attorneys at John W. Lawit, LLC, analyze the denial and recommend the best course of action to address the issue.
Yes, certain family members, such as your spouse or unmarried children under 21, can be included as derivatives in some visa applications, depending on the category. For example, if you’re applying for a family preference visa, eligible dependents may be included.
Immediate relative petitions typically require separate I-130 filings for each family member. Our Dallas immigration attorneys help you determine the best approach for your family.
While it’s possible to file immigration petitions yourself, the process is complex, with strict requirements for documentation and deadlines. Errors can lead to delays, denials, or even deportation risks.
Hiring an experienced firm like John W. Lawit, LLC ensures accuracy, compliance with USCIS regulations, and personalized guidance, increasing your chances of success.
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who sponsor an immigrant must meet minimum income requirements, typically 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, to file an Affidavit of Support (I-864). The exact amount depends on household size and the sponsor’s location.
If your income is insufficient, you may use a co-sponsor or assets to qualify. Our team helps you prepare a robust Affidavit of Support that meets USCIS standards.
Traveling abroad during the immigration process can be risky, especially if you’re applying for Adjustment of Status. Leaving the U.S. without Advance Parole may result in your application being considered abandoned. K-1 or K-3 visa holders should also avoid international travel until their status is adjusted.
We advise on travel restrictions and assist with Advance Parole applications.
