Our Family-Based Visa Services

Last updated on February 18, 2025

The bonds of the family do not stop at the borders of the United States. Because of that reality, as a U.S. citizen, you have some opportunities to help those who matter most to you. To be truly successful, you need to find a legal team you can trust.

At Guirguis Law, P.A., our team of immigration attorneys is experienced in federal immigration law matters of all kinds. For family-based visas, we work hard to ensure accurate and timely forms for clients across Raleigh. And, if there is an issue or an initial denial, we are zealous advocates to continue the fight.

What Can You Do For Your Family?

Family-based immigration is one of the simpler, faster ways to bring your loved ones to the U.S. These streamlined processes can help you with:

• Securing a visa for a fiancée/fiancé living overseas.
• Bringing your spouse to the U.S.
• Sponsoring your parents, as long as you’re older than 21

However, streamlined is a relative term in immigration law. While it is simpler to pursue these options for your family, it is still an intricate, complex issue. Our team of immigration lawyers can support you and your family in these immigration goals in many ways.

Family-Based Visa Processing Times In North Carolina: What To Expect

A major concern for those undergoing the process of securing a family-based visa is how long it will take. As you might expect, processing times in North Carolina can vary depending on several factors, including the USCIS office’s workload, the efficiency of the local office and the specifics of each case.

For instance, the family visa processing time in busy metropolitan areas like Raleigh might be longer than in smaller cities due to higher application volumes. Additionally, certain cases may require further USCIS scrutiny, leading to delays. Another factor that can influence the overall timeline is how long it takes the National Visa Center (NVC) to process the application.

Applicants might wait several months or even longer for their applications to be processed. Expediting the visa process may be possible, but this requires meeting specific criteria that can be challenging to prove. An attorney can be invaluable in proving faster processing times are warranted.

Financial Requirements For Sponsoring A Family Member

Demonstrating financial sufficiency is critical when sponsoring their family. The I-864 income requirements dictate that sponsors must demonstrate sufficient income to support family members. This is determined based on the federal poverty guidelines which can vary annually, making it essential to stay up-to-date on current figures.

If meeting the income requirements proves challenging, exploring options like co-sponsors or joint sponsors can be beneficial. The affidavit of support form allows for the inclusion of a co-sponsor’s income, potentially making the difference between approval and denial.

In some cases, asset-based sponsorship may also be an option. By leveraging assets, such as property or savings, applicants can provide alternative proof of financial support, which can strengthen their visa application considerably. According to USCIS, these assets must be readily convertible to cash and meet specific valuation criteria.

Our experienced attorneys can provide invaluable assistance with financial and other family visa requirements. We can help you understand the nuances of a financial sponsor’s obligations, offer guidance on selecting a joint or co-sponsor and advise you on how to demonstrate financial sufficiency for immigration purposes.

Is Consular Processing The Way To Go?

Consular processing is the term for beginning the immigration process abroad before coming to the US. Completing the necessary paperwork and review processes abroad with your family makes things much easier for all involved. Our team can guide you through the documents and actions you need to approach success.

Put Your Faith In A Faith-Based Firm

Faith is a central part of our work for people across North Carolina. We’re dedicated to our clients because that is part of our ideals. Our multicultural team speaks many languages, and we’re ready to get to work. Reach out to us today by calling 919-874-1445 or sending an email.