1. What are the current priority dates for family-sponsored visas in the Visa Bulletin?

As of February 2021, the current priority dates for family-sponsored visas are:

– F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): October 1, 2014 for All Countries, except Mexico and Philippines which have a priority date of July 22, 1997.
– F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): November 15, 2019 for All Countries, including Mexico and Philippines.
– F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents): March 1, 2015 for All Countries, except Mexico (December 8, 1999) and Philippines (June 15, 2000).
– F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): December 8, 2008 for All Countries, except Mexico (August 22,1996) and Philippines (September
8. The priority dates can change each month depending on the demand for visas in each category.

2. What is the process to apply for a family-sponsored visa?

The process for applying for a family-sponsored visa varies slightly depending on your specific situation. However, in general, the steps are as follows:

1. Determine your eligibility: In order to apply for a family-sponsored visa, you must have a close relative who is either a US citizen or a permanent resident. The eligibility requirements and types of relationships that qualify vary based on the type of visa.

2. Complete the appropriate petition: If you are eligible for a family-sponsored visa, your relative will need to file an immigrant petition (Form I-130) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.

3. Wait for approval: After the petition is filed, you will need to wait for it to be approved by USCIS. This can take several months or even years depending on your relationship with the sponsor and country of origin.

4. File an application for an immigrant visa: Once your petition is approved, you may be able to file an application for an immigrant visa with the Department of State if you are currently outside of the United States or if you are already in the United States but plan to travel abroad before obtaining permanent residence.

5. Attend an immigration interview: You will be required to attend an immigration interview at a U.S embassy or consulate in your home country where consular officers will review your application and ask questions about your background, relationship with the sponsor, and purpose of immigrating to the United States.

6. Submit additional documents: In addition to attending an interview, you may also be required to submit additional documents such as financial support information, medical exams and police certificates.

7. Wait for a decision: After completing all necessary steps, you will need to wait for a decision on your application. If approved, you will receive an immigrant visa that allows you to enter and live in the United States as a permanent resident.

8. Move to the United States: Once you have received your immigrant visa, you can move to the United States and establish residency as a permanent resident. You will typically receive a green card within a few weeks or months of your arrival.

It is important to note that the exact steps and requirements may vary depending on your specific case. It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for assistance throughout the process.

3. Can I include my spouse and children on my application for a family-sponsored visa?

Yes, you can include your spouse and children on your application for a family-sponsored visa. Depending on the specific visa category, there may be age restrictions or other requirements for including children in the application. It is important to carefully review the specific requirements for the visa category you are applying for before submitting your application.

4. Is there an age limit for children included in a family-sponsored visa application?

No, there is no age limit for children included in a family-sponsored visa application. However, certain visa categories may have specific requirements or restrictions for children, such as the F-2 dependent visa for children of F-1 student visa holders. Parents should check with the specific visa category to determine any age limits or requirements for their children.

5. How long does it typically take to receive a family-sponsored visa after submitting the application?

The timeline for receiving a family-sponsored visa can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the case and the specific embassy or consulate processing the application. On average, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to receive a family-sponsored visa after submitting the application. Factors that may affect the processing time include any backlogs at the embassy or consulate, additional documentation that is required, and potential administrative delays. It’s important to regularly check with the embassy or consulate for updates on your specific case.

6. Are there any restrictions on who can sponsor a family member for a visa?

Yes, there are restrictions on who can sponsor a family member for a visa. In order to be eligible to sponsor someone for a visa, the sponsor must be:

1. A U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
2. At least 18 years old
3. Have a valid proof of relationship with the person they wish to sponsor (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate)
4. Meet certain income requirements to prove they can financially support the family member they wish to sponsor
5. Be living in the United States or have a U.S.-based domicile address
6. Not have any immigration violations or criminal convictions

Additionally, certain types of visas may have specific eligibility requirements for sponsors, such as employment-based visas requiring an employer as the sponsor or fiancé(e) visas requiring proof of meeting in person within the past two years. It is important to research and understand the specific requirements for sponsoring someone for the type of visa you are seeking before starting the application process.

7. Do I have to be a US citizen to sponsor a family member for a visa, or can permanent residents also sponsor?

You do not have to be a US citizen to sponsor a family member for a visa. Permanent residents also have the ability to sponsor certain family members for visas, including spouses, children, and unmarried adult children. However, there are some limitations and differences in the sponsorship process for permanent residents compared to US citizens. It is best to consult with an immigration attorney for specific guidance on sponsoring a family member as a permanent resident.

8. Can I sponsor extended family members, such as cousins or grandparents, for a family-sponsored visa?

No, cousins or grandparents are not eligible for a family-sponsored visa. Only certain immediate family members are eligible, such as parents, spouses, children, and siblings.

9. What are the income requirements for sponsoring a family member for a visa?

The income requirements for sponsoring a family member for a visa vary depending on the type of visa being applied for and the size of the sponsor’s household. In general, the sponsor must demonstrate that they have enough income or assets to support the family member(s) they are sponsoring at 125% of the federal poverty level. The exact amount may also depend on factors such as the state in which the sponsor resides and any additional sponsors or dependents included in the household. It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or refer to specific visa instructions for more precise income requirements.

10. Will my immigration status affect my ability to sponsor a family member for a visa?

Yes, your immigration status can affect your ability to sponsor a family member for a visa. In order to sponsor a family member for a visa, you must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). If you are not in one of these categories, you will not be able to sponsor a family member for a visa.

Additionally, your own immigration status may impact the eligibility of your family member to apply for certain types of visas. For example, if you are in the U.S. on a temporary visa, such as a student or work visa, your family member may not be eligible to apply for certain family-based visas while you are living in the U.S.

It is important to consult with an immigration attorney or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to determine your eligibility to sponsor a family member based on your specific immigration status.

11. Can I petition for my same-sex spouse or partner to receive a family-sponsored visa?

Yes, as of June 26, 2013, same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible for the same family-sponsored visas as opposite-sex spouses. This includes the ability to sponsor their spouse for a spousal immigrant visa or green card. The couple must still meet all eligibility requirements and provide evidence of a bona fide marriage.

12. Are there any country-specific quotas or limitations on the number of visas available in each category?

Yes, there are country-specific quotas and limitations on the number of visas available in each category. These restrictions vary depending on the type of visa and the country of origin. Some immigrant visas, such as employment-based and diversity lottery visas, have numerical limits set by Congress each fiscal year. There may also be limitations on nonimmigrant visas for certain countries based on bilateral agreements or national security concerns. It is best to consult with a lawyer or immigration official to determine the specific quotas or limitations for a particular visa category.

13. Can I appeal if my relative’s priority date is not current in the Visa Bulletin?

Unfortunately, a priority date not being current in the Visa Bulletin is not grounds for an appeal. The Visa Bulletin is issued regularly by the Department of State and shows the availability of immigrant visa numbers according to categories and countries. Your relative’s priority date must be current in order for them to be able to apply for a visa or adjust their status to permanent resident. If you believe that there was an error in determining your relative’s priority date, you may contact USCIS for further clarification or assistance.

14. Will my relative be able to work while waiting for their visa to become available in the Visa Bulletin?

It depends on the individual’s specific circumstances and visa category. If your relative is in the United States with a valid non-immigrant visa, they may be able to work while waiting for their visa to become available. However, if they are outside of the United States, they will not be able to work until after their visa is approved and they enter the country. It is best to consult with an immigration attorney for further guidance.

15. Are there any special provisions for elderly or disabled relatives who are being sponsored through the Family-Sponsored program?

Yes, there are special provisions for elderly or disabled relatives being sponsored through the Family-Sponsored program. They may be eligible for a waiver of the financial support requirement and may also qualify for expedited processing due to their age or disability. The sponsor will need to provide proof of their relative’s age or disability, along with medical documentation and a statement explaining why they are unable to provide financial support.

16. Is there an expedited process available if my relative is facing urgent circumstances?

Yes, there may be an expedited process available for certain family-based visa categories if the applicant is facing urgent circumstances. This is known as humanitarian parole and is granted in cases of emergency or urgent humanitarian reasons. The request for humanitarian parole must be made through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
However, humanitarian parole is not a visa or a legal means of admission to the United States. It only allows an individual to enter the U.S. for a temporary period of time determined by USCIS. If your relative needs to immigrate permanently, they will need to apply for a visa through the regular process.

17. How can I check the current priority dates and processing times for different categories of Family-Sponsored visas?

You can check the current priority dates and processing times for different categories of Family-Sponsored visa on the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin website. The bulletin is updated monthly and provides information on which priority dates are current, meaning that immigrant visas are available for applicants with that priority date, as well as information on processing times for each category.

18. What happens if my priority date is not current?
If your priority date is not current, it means that there are more applications in the category than there are visas available for that month. In this case, you will have to wait until your priority date becomes current in order to move forward with your application.

19. Can I check my application status online?
Yes, you can check the status of your application online through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. You will need to create an account and log in in order to view your case status.

20. What should I do if there is a change in my address or personal details during the process?
If there is a change in your address or personal details during the process, you must update USCIS with this information through their Change of Address webpage or by calling their customer service line at 1-800-375-5283. It is important to keep USCIS informed of any changes to avoid any delays or issues with your application.

18.Is it possible to transfer an approved Family-Sponsored petition from one beneficiary to another within the same category?

Yes, it is possible to transfer an approved Family-Sponsored petition from one beneficiary to another within the same category. This is known as a “change of beneficiary” and can be done by submitting a request to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petitioning sponsor must submit a written notice explaining the reason for the change, along with any required supporting documentation. USCIS will review the request and make a decision on whether or not to approve the transfer. It is important to note that the new beneficiary must still meet all eligibility requirements for the specific immigrant visa category.

19.If I am sponsoring multiple relatives, do they all have to go through separate applications and interviews, or can they apply together as one group?

Each relative must go through a separate application and interview process. Each individual’s circumstances, qualifications, and eligibility will be assessed separately. They can submit their applications at the same time, but their applications will be processed separately.

20. Can I still sponsor a family member for a visa if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the nature and severity of your criminal record. Generally, a sponsored family member may be denied a visa if the sponsor has a conviction for a serious crime or multiple convictions for lesser crimes. Additionally, if you are currently serving time in prison or have an extradition order against you, you will not be able to sponsor a family member for a visa. It is best to consult with an immigration lawyer to assess your situation and determine your eligibility to sponsor a family member with a criminal record.