As a leading immigration law firm in New Jersey, The Scheer Immigration Law Group is dedicated to helping families reunite and navigate the complex process of obtaining visas. For families looking to bring their loved ones to the United States, understanding the various family non-immigrant visas available is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the different types of family non-immigrant visas and their requirements in New Jersey.
The K-1 visa is designed for U.S. citizens who plan to marry a foreign national. To qualify for this visa, the petitioner and beneficiary must demonstrate the following:
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
- Both parties must have a genuine intention to marry within 90 days of the beneficiary’s arrival.
- The petitioner and beneficiary must have met in person within the past two years.
- The petitioner must meet the minimum income requirements to prove financial stability.
The K-3 Spouse Visa:
The K-3 visa is intended for U.S. citizens who are already married to foreign nationals and wish to bring their spouse to the United States. The key requirements for the K-3 visa include:
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
- The petitioner and beneficiary must be legally married.
- The petitioner must have filed an immigrant visa petition on behalf of the beneficiary.
- The beneficiary must wait for visa processing outside the United States.
The CR-1/IR-1 Spouse Visa:
The CR-1/IR-1 visa category is reserved for spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have been married for less than two years (CR-1) or more than two years (IR-1). The eligibility criteria for the CR-1/IR-1 visa are as follows:
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen or LPR.
- The petitioner and beneficiary must be legally married.
- The marriage must be recognized as valid under U.S. law.
- The petitioner must meet the minimum income requirements, or have a joint sponsor.
The F-1 Student Visa for Dependents:
The F-1 student visa allows international students to pursue academic programs in the United States. If an F-1 student wishes to bring their spouse or children under the age of 21 to join them in the U.S., they can apply for an F-2 dependent visa. The F-2 visa requirements include:
- The principal F-1 visa holder must be enrolled in a full-time course of study.
- The F-2 dependent must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age.
- The F-1 student must provide financial evidence to support their dependents.
The J-2 Visa for Dependents:
The J-1 exchange visitor program allows individuals to participate in educational and cultural exchange programs in the United States. J-1 visa holders can bring their spouse and children under the age of 21 as J-2 dependents. The J-2 visa requirements include:
- The principal J-1 visa holder must be approved by a designated program sponsor.
- The J-2 dependent must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age.
- The J-1 visa holder must demonstrate financial ability to support their dependents.
The H-4 Visa for Dependents:
The H-4 visa is available to dependents of H-1B visa holders, who are skilled foreign workers employed in specialized occupations. The H-4 visa allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age to accompany the H-1B visa holder to the United States. The requirements for the H-4 visa include:
- The principal H-1B visa holder must be maintaining valid H-1B status.
- The H-4 dependent must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age.
- The H-1B visa holder must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support their dependents.
The L-2 Visa for Dependents:
The L-2 visa is designated for dependents of L-1 visa holders, who are intracompany transferees. The L-2 visa allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age to join the L-1 visa holder in the United States. The requirements for the L-2 visa include:
- The principal L-1 visa holder must be maintaining valid L-1 status.
- The L-2 dependent must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age.
- The L-1 visa holder must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support their dependents.
The V Visa for Spouses and Children of Lawful Permanent Residents:
The V visa is a unique category available to spouses and children of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who are waiting for their immigrant visa petitions to be processed. The V visa allows them to join their LPR family member in the United States temporarily. The key requirements for the V visa include:
- The petitioner must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
- The beneficiary must have an immigrant visa petition filed on or before December 21, 2000.
- The petitioner must have filed an I-130 immigrant visa petition on behalf of the beneficiary.
- The beneficiary must have waited at least three years since the filing of the petition.
Navigating the complex immigration landscape can be overwhelming, especially when it involves reuniting with your loved ones. The Scheer Immigration Law Group is here to provide you with the necessary legal expertise and guidance to successfully obtain family non-immigrant visas in New Jersey.
Our dedicated team of experienced immigration attorneys understands the importance of family unity and will work tirelessly to ensure that you and your loved ones can be together in the United States. We will assist you throughout the entire visa application process, helping you meet the specific requirements, preparing the necessary documentation, and addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise.
Contact The Scheer Immigration Law Group today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards bringing your family closer together. Our compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys are ready to provide you with the support and advocacy you need to navigate the family non-immigrant visa process with confidence.
Remember, family is at the heart of our practice, and we are committed to helping you achieve your immigration goals. Let us be your trusted partner in reuniting families and building a brighter future together in the United States.