We treat every client like a person, not just a case, offering compassionate support.
Family Visas
Family-Based Visa Lawyers in Fresno
Assisting Families in Clovis & Throughout the Central Valley
At Andrade Auld Law, we understand that family is everything. One of the most common paths to lawful permanent residency in the U.S. is through a family-based visa. Whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), sponsoring a relative to live and work in the U.S. can be life-changing, but it is not always simple.
Our firm focuses exclusively on immigration law, and we are here to guide you through every step of the family visa process with compassion, diligence, and personalized attention.
When you work with a family visa attorney in Fresno from our team, you meet directly with a legal professional who takes the time to understand your goals, your family dynamics, and any concerns you may have about timing, travel, or prior immigration history. We explain how the process works at local agencies and consulates, what to expect from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and how your loved one’s case may move through offices that serve Fresno and the broader Central Valley. Our goal is to help you feel prepared instead of overwhelmed as you make important decisions about your family’s future.
Request a free initial consultation about your case with a Fresno family-based visa attorney at Andrade Auld Law. Call (559) 517-3733 or reach out via our contact form. Hablamos español.
Types of Family-Based Visas
Family-based immigration falls into two main categories:
Immediate Relative Visas (IR): These are available to close relatives of U.S. citizens, including:
- Spouses
- Unmarried children under 21
- Parents (if the petitioner is over 21)
The number of immediate relative visas is not capped annually, making this a faster route to lawful permanent residency.
Family Preference Visas (F): These are for more distant relatives of U.S. citizens and certain relatives of lawful permanent residents. They include:
- F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and over) of U.S. citizens
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents
- F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and over) of lawful permanent residents
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the petitioner is over 21).
Unlike immediate relative visas, family preference visas are subject to annual numerical limits, often leading to long wait times.
For those who are not yet family but hope to be soon, we also offer assistance with K-1 fiancé(e) visas and adjustment of status once the wedding has occurred.
Eligibility and Requirements
To sponsor a family member, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident
- Demonstrate the qualifying family relationship
- Submit an Affidavit of Support to show you can financially support the intending immigrant
- Provide supporting documentation proving your relationship and immigration status
Certain applicants may face additional scrutiny if they have a history of immigration violations or grounds for inadmissibility, such as criminal convictions or prior removals.
In addition to the basic legal requirements, many families have questions about where the process will take place, how long it might take, and how their specific situation will be viewed by immigration officers. We talk through issues like prior entries, current work or school obligations, and any previous applications, so you know what documents to gather before filing. For families in Fresno, Clovis, and surrounding Central Valley communities, we can also explain how local history with the Fresno immigration court or nearby federal offices may affect the timeline of your case.
Secure legal assistance quickly by connecting with a family-based visa lawyer near you. Fill out our online form to move forward.
Why You Need an Immigration Attorney in Fresno
While it may seem straightforward, family-based immigration is governed by complex laws and procedures. Mistakes in the application process can result in costly delays or denials.
How We Help With the Family Visa Process
When you reach out to us about bringing a relative to the United States, we start by listening carefully to your story and clarifying what you hope to achieve. We explain the difference between consular processing and adjustment of status, discuss whether any past immigration issues might affect your case, and outline the major steps and estimated time frames. This helps you decide when to begin, how to prepare your family for travel or interviews, and whether a consultation with a family visa lawyer whom Fresno families can rely on is the right next step for you.
We also pay close attention to the local factors that may influence your case, such as how matters are scheduled through the Fresno immigration court or how long it may take to receive notices from regional USCIS service centers. By keeping you informed about what typically happens at each stage, we help you plan for work, school, and family responsibilities while your case is pending. Throughout the process, we stay in contact with you so you know when to provide additional documents, what to expect before your loved one’s interview, and how to respond if the government asks for more information.
At Andrade Auld Law, we help you avoid common pitfalls by:
- Preparing and submitting complete, accurate petitions
- Gathering the necessary documentation
- Addressing issues like inadmissibility or previous visa overstays
- Guiding you through interviews and follow-up requests from USCIS or the consulate
With a focus solely on immigration law, we are committed to helping families stay together. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders and help you bring your loved ones home.
When you meet with us, we walk you step by step through what will happen after your family-based visa petition is filed, from receipt notices to possible biometrics appointments, consular processing, or adjustment of status in the United States. We discuss how to prepare for your family member’s interview, what kinds of questions they may be asked, and how to address any previous immigration or criminal issues honestly while putting forward the strongest possible case. By having a trusted guide, you can focus on your family while we handle the detailed communication with USCIS and consular posts that serve residents of the Fresno area.
Call (559) 517-3733 or reach us online to discuss your needs and concerns with a Fresno family-based visa attorney today.
What Sets Us Apart?
client-centered and compassionate approach
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Free Consultations
We offer complimentary consultations at our office or virtually. Call (559) 517-3733 to schedule one today!
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Trustworthy Advocacy
We work diligently to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcomes for your case.
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Multilingual ServicesOur team can assist clients in Spanish, Armenian, Russian, & Ukrainian.
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Personalized Care
