Consistent with U.S. government guidance on safety in the federal workplace, U.S. embassies and consulates have implemented social distancing and other safety measures, which have reduced the number of applicants consular sections can process in a single day. Consular sections will resume providing all routine visa services as it is safe to do so in that location.
The guiding principle of the U.S. Government’s immigration policy is family reunification prioritizing immediate relative visa applicants and K-1 fiancées of U.S. citizens, followed by family preference immigrant visa applicants.
Consistent with those objectives, U.S. embassies and consulates use a tiered approach to triage immigrant visa applications based on the category of immigrant visa as they resume and expand processing.
- Tier One: Immediate relative intercountry adoption visas, age-out cases (cases where the applicant will soon no longer qualify due to their age), and certain Special Immigrant Visas (SQ and SI for Afghan and Iraqi nationals working with the U.S. government)
- Tier Two: Immediate relative visas; fiancé(e) visas; and returning resident visas
- Tier Three: Family preference immigrant visas and SE Special Immigrant Visas for certain employees of the U.S. government abroad
- Tier Four: All other immigrant visas, including employment preference and diversity visas, a priority is expressed in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Specifically, the Department’s prioritization relied on clear direction from Congress that the Department must adopt a policy of prioritizing immediate relative visa applicants and K-1 fiancées of U.S. citizens, followed by family preference immigrant visa applicants.
HELPING YOUR FAMILY IMMIGRATE TO THE U.S.
Our immigration lawyers have the experience and skill to handle all aspects of family immigration for clients in California and abroad.
- IR visas: For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, adopted children and parents of children who are at least 21 years old
- Family immigration visas: For family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders). There are annual limitations to each specific preference category, which is based on the applicant’s relationship with the citizen or lawful permanent resident. Family-based preference visas are available to children of U.S. citizens (who are not eligible for an IR visa); spouses, minor children and unmarried adult children of permanent residents; and siblings of U.S. citizens.
SANTA CLARA K-1 VISA LAWYER
Our attorneys assist clients in obtaining a temporary visa for a fiancé(e) or for spouse who is awaiting processing of his or her green card. Temporary visas are available for:
- K-1 visas: Temporary visas for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens (K-1) and their children (K-2)
- K-3 visas: For spouses of U.S. citizens married outside of the U.S. (K-3) and their children (K-4); or marriage visas (an IR visa or CR visa — depending on the time married when the visa is applied for)
Call For A Free 10-Minute Conversation
We have the knowledge and experience to assist you in determining your options for gaining permanent or temporary residency for a family member. We will evaluate your situation and the current state of the USCIS immigration laws and recommend the best course of action.
