Get personalized expert guidance and support for Bringing Children and Family of U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents into the U.S from Colombia.
Whether you're looking to eventually become a US Citizen, or you just want to spend a long period of time in the country, we can advise you on the best process.
Daniela Cordoba is a lawyer specializing in immigration and commercial law. Daniela Cordoba has helped individuals and businesses live and operate in Colombia for over a decade. She also has training in compliance with the respective accreditations to serve as Compliance Officer.
Mike co-founded Colombian Visa Services after moving to Colombia from the United States and finding the process of obtaining a visa difficult and frustrating. Daniela helped make the process so simple and stress-free that he partnered with her to provide the to help others.
For the past decade we have been helping travelers secure visas to Colombia.
We work with you 1:1 to ensure you not only have the best chance of getting approval, but that you have every one of your questions answers.
You don't have to worry about having to translate emails or communication, our team is fluent in English and can help you with whatever you need.
These are the specific requirements to apply for a US Citizenship as the child of a US citizen, however you may be required to submit additional documentation throughout the application process to prove the validity of your relationship.
If the child is under 21 years old and unmarried, they may be eligible to be included in the parent's green card application as a derivative beneficiary. The U.S. citizen spouse should file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for both the spouse and the child. If the parent is already in the United States and eligible to adjust status, they can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for both themselves and the child concurrently.
If the child cannot be included as a derivative beneficiary in the parent's green card application (for example, if the child is over 21 or married), the U.S. citizen spouse may need to file a separate Form I-130 for the child. Once the I-130 is approved, the child can apply for an immigrant visa or adjust status to lawful permanent residency.
To bring parents to the United States, as a U.S. citizen, you must file Form I-130, establishing your relationship. After USCIS approves the petition, it's forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). Your parents will then complete visa applications, attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, undergo a medical examination, and if approved, receive immigrant visas. Upon arrival in the United States, they will receive their Green Cards by mail, granting them lawful permanent residency.
From your first questions, through the application process, until you receive your green card. We are with you every step of the way.
We spend the time to get to know you and your story so your application is perfect the first time.
We will help you every step of the way, so you can focus on the enjoying your new relationship without worrying about the paperwork.
Schedule A ConsultationLearn more about what you need to obtain a Colombian Retirement Visa and how we can help.
Eligibility for a family visa in the USA depends on the specific type of family relationship you have with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The following are some of the common family-based visa categories:
Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas: These are for the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old).
Family Preference Immigrant Visas: These are for more distant family relationships with U.S. citizens and some specified relationships with lawful permanent residents. This includes unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and siblings of adult U.S. citizens.
K-1 Visa (Fiancé(e) Visa): This is for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens. It allows the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry the U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.
K-3 Visa (Spouse of a U.S. Citizen Waiting for Immigrant Visa): This is for spouses of U.S. citizens who are waiting abroad for an immigrant visa.
V-1 and V-2 Visas: These are for spouses and children of lawful permanent residents awaiting the availability of an immigrant visa.
The processing time for a family visa in the USA can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of family visa, the current backlog of applications, the applicant's country of origin, and whether any additional processing steps are required.Here are some general estimates for processing times for common family-based immigrant visas:
Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas: These visas, which include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens, generally have shorter processing times compared to other family preference categories. In some cases, the entire process from filing the petition to receiving the visa can take around 8 months to a year.
Family Preference Immigrant Visas: These visas, such as those for married children of U.S. citizens and siblings of adult U.S. citizens, often have longer processing times due to annual visa quotas and higher demand. The processing time for these visas can range from 1 to 5 years or more, depending on the specific category and country of origin.
Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1): The processing time for K-1 visas can vary, but it generally takes around 6 to 12 months from the time of filing the petition to the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)'s home country.
Spouse of a U.S. Citizen Waiting for Immigrant Visa (K-3): The processing time for K-3 visas can also vary, but it typically takes around 8 to 12 months from the time of filing the petition to the visa interview.
Whether you can move to America to join family members depends on various factors such as your relationship with them, their immigration status, and available visa options.
Close family members who are U.S. citizens or green card holders may sponsor you for a family-based immigrant visa, including spouse, parent, child, or sibling visas.
Additionally, if you are engaged to or married to a U.S. citizen, you may qualify for a fiancé(e) or spouse visa. Other family-based visa categories exist, but eligibility and waiting periods vary.
Whether you can work in the United States on a family visa depends on the type of visa you hold. Immediate relative immigrant visa holders, such as spouses or parents of U.S. citizens, can typically apply for work authorization (EAD) after filing for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident. K-1 fiancé(e) visa and K-3 spouse visa holders can also apply for work authorization after marrying their U.S. citizen sponsor and filing for adjustment of status.
However, family preference immigrant visa holders, like spouses or children of lawful permanent residents, may face restrictions on working until they become lawful permanent residents.
Yes, as a U.S. citizen, you may be able to bring your parents to the USA permanently through the family-based immigration process.
Parents of U.S. citizens fall under the immediate relative immigrant visa category (IR-5), which means there is an unlimited number of visas available for this category each year. To bring your parents to the USA permanently, you typically need to follow these steps:
1. File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish your relationship with your parents.
2. Once the I-130 petition is approved, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
3. The NVC will request additional documentation and fees from you and your parents. This may include the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate your financial ability to support your parents in the USA.
4. Your parents will need to undergo background checks and attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
5. If approved, your parents will receive immigrant visas, allowing them to enter the USA as lawful permanent residents.
6. Once in the USA, your parents will receive their green cards, which grant them permanent residency status.
It's important to note that the process for bringing parents to the USA permanently can be complex, and there may be specific eligibility requirements and documentation needed. Consulting with an immigration attorney or referring to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date information and guidance is recommended.
To obtain a U.S. visa for your child, the process generally depends on whether you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), as well as your child's age and circumstances. Here are the general steps:
Determine Eligibility: If you are a U.S. citizen, your child may be eligible for U.S. citizenship based on your status, depending on factors such as the child's age, marital status, and whether you are the child's biological or adoptive parent. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you may be able to petition for your unmarried child to immigrate to the U.S. as a family preference immigrant.
File Petition (Form I-130): As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you will typically need to file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish your relationship with your child and indicate your intention to sponsor them for immigration.
Wait for Approval: Once you file the Form I-130 petition, you will need to wait for USCIS to process and approve it. Processing times can vary, but you can check the USCIS website for current processing times.
Receive Notification and Further Instructions: Once the petition is approved, USCIS will send you a notice confirming the approval and providing further instructions on next steps.
Apply for Visa: If your child is outside the U.S., they will typically need to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. This involves submitting additional forms and documents, attending an interview, and undergoing medical and background checks.
Attend Interview (if applicable): If your child is applying for an immigrant visa from outside the U.S., they will need to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Receive Visa or Green Card: If the visa application is approved, your child will receive an immigrant visa, allowing them to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. Once in the U.S., they will receive their green card.
It's important to note that the process and requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as the child's age and whether they are inside or outside the U.S. It's recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or refer to the official USCIS website for detailed guidance and instructions specific to your situation.