A Compassionate Approach: Your Family’s Advocate in Immigration Law

Why Choose Curcio Anderson Law

Comprehensive Legal Services

At Curcio Anderson Law, we pride ourselves on providing a wide range of comprehensive legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our expertise spans multiple practice areas, ensuring that we can offer holistic support and guidance no matter the legal challenge you face. Here is a breakdown of the key services we provide:

Expertise in Multiple Areas

Our team at Curcio Anderson Law consists of highly skilled attorneys with expertise in multiple areas of law. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to address a wide array of legal issues that may intersect with your primary concerns. Here are some of the areas where our expertise stands out:

1. Immigration Law:
   • We help individuals, families, and businesses navigate various immigration pathways in the United States, which often intersect with other legal matters such as family law, criminal law, business, and tax law (New England Law).
   • We assist individuals from other countries in gaining legal status to work in the United States through programs like the H-1B visa program (New England Law).
2. Family Law:
   • Our expertise covers all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, and spousal support.
3. Criminal Law:
   • We provide robust defense strategies for clients facing criminal charges, ensuring their rights are upheld throughout the legal process.
4. Civil Litigation:
   • Our team is adept at handling civil disputes, whether between individuals or organizations, providing effective representation in court.
5. Estate Planning:
   • We offer comprehensive estate planning services to ensure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

Curcio Anderson Law is dedicated to delivering professional, compassionate, and effective legal representation. Our broad spectrum of services and deep expertise in multiple areas make us the ideal choice for all your legal needs, especially when it comes to family-based immigration.

Family-Based Immigration Services

At Curcio Anderson Law, we understand the importance of family unity and are committed to providing comprehensive legal services for family-based immigration. Our expert team specializes in assisting families through the intricate process of immigration, ensuring that your loved ones can join you in the United States. We offer two main categories of family-based immigration services: Immediate Relative Visas and Family Preference Visas.

Immediate Relative Visas

Immediate Relative Visas are available for close family members of U.S. citizens. These visas are not subject to annual numerical limits, making them an efficient option for reuniting families. The categories and eligibility criteria for Immediate Relative Visas include:

• Spouses of U.S. Citizens: Individuals legally married to a U.S. citizen.
• Unmarried Children Under 21 of U.S. Citizens: Biological, adopted, or stepchildren of U.S. citizens.
• Parents of U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can sponsor their parents.

These visas are designed to ensure that families can stay together without the long waiting periods often associated with other visa categories.

Family Preference Visas

Family Preference Visas are available for more distant relatives of U.S. citizens and certain relatives of lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders). Unlike Immediate Relative Visas, these visas are subject to annual numerical limits, which can result in longer waiting periods. The categories for Family Preference Visas include:

• F1 (First Preference): Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years and older) of U.S. citizens.
• F2 (Second Preference): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (21 years and older) of lawful permanent residents.
• F3 (Third Preference): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
• F4 (Fourth Preference): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (U.S. citizen must be 21 years or older).

Our team of dedicated immigration lawyers at Curcio Anderson Law is here to guide you through the complex pathways of family-based immigration. We provide personalized support, ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurately prepared and submitted. With our expertise, you can navigate the immigration process with confidence, knowing that your family’s best interests are our top priority. For more information on sponsoring family members, visit USA.gov.

Process of Sponsoring Family Members

At Curcio Anderson Law, we understand the importance of family unity and the complexities involved in family-based immigration. Our knowledgeable immigration lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process.

USCIS Form I-130

The first step in sponsoring a family member for permanent residency is submitting the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130. This form is essential for establishing the qualifying relationship between the sponsor and the family member. Each sponsored person requires a separate Form I-130 (USA.gov). The form can be submitted online or by mail, depending on your preference and the specific circumstances of your case.

Key details required on Form I-130 include:

• Personal information of the sponsor and the family member
• Relationship documentation (e.g., marriage certificates, birth certificates)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency

Steps in the Immigration Visa Process

Once Form I-130 is submitted, several additional steps must be completed by both the sponsor and the visa applicant. The process varies depending on whether the family member is already in the U.S. or abroad (USA.gov).

If the Family Member is in the U.S.

1. File Form I-485: The family member must file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
2. Biometrics Appointment: The applicant will attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature.
3. Interview: An interview may be scheduled with both the sponsor and the applicant.
4. Approval: Upon approval, the family member will receive their Green Card.

If the Family Member is Abroad

1. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: After Form I-130 is approved, the case is transferred to the NVC.
2. Submit DS-260: The family member must submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application) online.
3. Gather Documentation: Collect and submit necessary documents, such as police certificates and medical examination results.
4. Visa Interview: Attend a visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy.
5. Approval and Entry: Upon visa approval, the family member can enter the U.S. as a permanent resident and will receive their Green Card by mail.

These steps involve significant documentation and proof of support, including an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and accompanying financial records. At Curcio Anderson Law, we provide comprehensive support to ensure that all required documents are properly prepared and submitted, guiding you through every stage of the process to reunite you with your loved ones.

Timeline for Obtaining Green Cards

Understanding the timeline for obtaining a green card is crucial for families navigating the immigration process. At Curcio Anderson Law, we strive to make this process as smooth as possible for our clients. Here, we provide an overview of the estimated timelines for different family members of U.S. citizens.

Minor Children of U.S. Citizens

For minor children (under age 21) of U.S. citizens, the process to obtain a green card generally takes between 10 to 13 months. Once the immigrant petition process begins, these children can usually receive their green card within a year or less (Immigration Help).

Widows of U.S. Citizens

Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens can apply for immigrant status within two years of their spouse’s death. The timeline for obtaining a green card in these cases is typically similar to that of the spouses of U.S. citizens, taking approximately 10 to 13 months (Immigration Help).

Parents of U.S. Citizens

For parents of U.S. citizens, the process to obtain a green card also takes around 10 to 13 months. This category does not have a limit on the number of green cards issued, allowing parents to generally obtain their green card within one year (Immigration Help).

At Curcio Anderson Law, we understand that each family’s situation is unique. Our experienced immigration lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your family’s immigration journey is as efficient and stress-free as possible.

Challenges in Family Immigration Cases

Navigating the family immigration process can be complex and challenging. At Curcio Anderson Law, we understand the obstacles families face and are dedicated to providing expert guidance. Below, we outline some of the primary challenges in family immigration cases.

Backlogs and Processing Times

One of the most significant challenges in family immigration cases is dealing with backlogs and prolonged processing times. These delays are often due to the government’s annual limits on family visas, which are insufficient to meet the demand, resulting in long wait times (Miller & Miller Law). Various factors influence these processing times, including the relationship to the sponsoring family member, the home country, and the location of the application.

Documentation and Proof of Support

Another significant challenge in family immigration cases is the substantial documentation required to establish the qualifying relationship. This includes marriage and birth certificates, which can be time-consuming and difficult to gather and submit.

Furthermore, U.S. petitioners must demonstrate their ability to support the immigrant financially, often requiring an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) along with tax records and income verification. This requirement can be challenging for some petitioners to meet and adds another layer of complexity to the process.

By understanding these challenges and working with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer for family-based immigration, families can navigate these obstacles more effectively. At Curcio Anderson Law, we are committed to helping families overcome these hurdles with our comprehensive legal services.

Role of Immigration Lawyers

Navigating Complex Pathways

As immigration lawyers, we play a critical role in helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the intricate pathways of U.S. immigration law. This field intersects with various other legal domains, such as family law, criminal law, business, and tax law (New England Law). Our expertise allows us to provide comprehensive advice and representation, ensuring that our clients understand and comply with all legal requirements.

We assist clients in various immigration matters, including securing legal status to work in the United States through programs like the H-1B visa. This program enables American employers to hire non-U.S. citizens for specialized jobs where their skills are needed (New England Law).

Our services encompass:

• Preparing and submitting applications and petitions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Advising clients on eligibility and documentation requirements
• Representing clients in immigration court proceedings
• Assisting with appeals and motions to reopen or reconsider