Minnesota Family Immigration Lawyer

Family based immigration is defined as becoming a U.S. permanent resident through certain family relations. Normally, a U.S. citizen (USC) or legal permanent resident (LPR) would file an immigration petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS).

Under federal law, citizens and legal permanent residents can sponsor (or "petition" on behalf of) their family members for immigration visas or "green cards". Sponsorship based on certain family relationships avoids limitations on the number of visas released each year under other categories, but the more remote a family link, the fewer visas that are available annually. Minnesota Immigration Lawyer Malee Ketelsen has the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the family immigration and visa process.

Unlimited Family Based Immigration

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — Spouse, widow(er) and unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen, and the parent of a U.S. citizen who is 21 or older
• Returning Residents — Immigrants who lived in the United States previously as lawful permanent residents and are returning to live in the U.S. after a temporary visit of more than one year abroad
• K-1 fiancé visas — for fiancés of U.S. citizens
• K-3 fiancé visas — for fiancées already married to U.S. citizens

Limited Family Based Immigration

• 1st preference visas — for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children
• 2nd preference (2)(a) visas — for spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents
• 2nd preference (2)(b) visas — for unmarried sons and daughters over 21 of lawful permanent residents
• 3rd preference visas — for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, their spouses, and children.
• 4th preference visas — for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and children, provided the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years of age