Bringing a spouse or relative into the United States can be a difficult task. There are forms to file, documentation to gather and important decisions to be made. By retaining an immigration lawyer from an experienced immigration law firm, you can cut through a lot of the red tape and facilitate the favorable decision you seek.
What is an I-129 & I-130?
These are forms to submit to the immigration service to request two different avenues to live in the United States. The I-129 in a Nonimmigrant Petition for Worker and the I-130 is an Immigrant Petition for Relative. The first is an application for a green card to work in the United States, which is one method of bringing a relative into the U.S. The I-130 is a petition to allow a close relative to immigrate to the United States.
Which form should be filed?
Many people file both forms, depending on their circumstances. There are many considerations, and qualified immigration attorneys can help you sort through the process. You must decide which forms to file and in what order to file them. Should you file them at the same time? What if both forms are approved at the same time? Which one should you accept? Some claim that the I-129 can be processed more quickly, and full immigration can be sought at a later date. An immigration attorney can address all of these questions because he or she has handled many of these types of cases before.
What type of documentation will be required?
You will have to prove who you are, prove any declared relationship, and document your education, financial resources, and work experience as well. The forms and proofs can be quite complicated, and immigration lawyers are uniquely qualified to advise you and help provide assistance in completing these applications. Some documentation that may be required:
· Passports
· Birth Certificates
· Drivers’ Licenses
· School Transcripts
· Marriage License
· Work experience documentation
· Bank account information
How long does it take to get an answer?
That can vary greatly depending on the relationship, if any, the type of work for which you may be applying and the country from which you make your application. You may also be in the United States when you apply and wish to make your status legal. You circumstances can make a big difference. Some decisions are made in a couple of weeks; some have taken years. Three to six months is most typical. In any case, your petition will be expedited if you follow the advice of your qualified immigration lawyer. It can all be very confusing, especially to someone unfamiliar with U.S. bureaucracy. Some applicants have claimed their applications were approved, but they were never notified.
If you want to maximize your chance of a successful work visa or immigration application, you should find a qualified immigration lawyer who can help you navigate through the complicated process and answer all your specific questions about which form to file, when to file it, and what documentation you will require for your application to be approved.