Austin Immigration Lawyer
Whether your immigration situation involves naturalization, obtaining education or work visas, or deportation, you need an Austin immigration law firm on your side.
Our Austin, TX immigration lawyers at Martinez Immigration have a deep understanding of U.S. immigration laws, and we can help you navigate the complex immigration process, advising you every step of the way.
Book a consultation with a Texas immigration lawyer today.
Types of Immigration Cases in Austin
While there are several green card eligibility categories, the most common immigration visa cases handled by an immigration attorney deal with employment and family.
Employment-Based Visas
The first step to obtaining an employment visa is having a job offer from a U.S. based company. The employer must file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, on the applicant’s behalf. There are many different types of employment-based visas. Consult an immigration attorney to be sure you are filling out the correct forms.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Employment Visa Approved?
The time it takes to get your visa approved varies based on your type of employment visa and how big the caseload already is at your U.S. Embassy or at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, it’s common for visas to be approved within three weeks up to four months. If you are looking to extend a temporary work permit into a permanent employment-based green card, the approval time can be even longer, with some cases taking up to 33 months.
Fortunately, there are ways to expedite your application. An experienced immigration attorney will determine if you qualify, inform you of your options, and ensure you fill out the proper documentation accurately and have it submitted in time.
Learn how a Texas Immigration attorney can help your case today.
Family-Based Visas
Family-based visas are divided into immediate relative visas and family preference visas. The spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens fall into the immediate relative category, which receives priority. The family preference category includes other relatives of a U.S. citizen, including:
- Unmarried children aged 21 and up
- Married children
- Siblings
When it comes to the family members of U.S. permanent residents, eligible applicants may include spouses and unmarried children under age 21, and unmarried children aged 21 and older.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Family Visa Application Approved?
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may receive a visa within approximately one year. However, the waiting period for obtaining other family-based visas can stretch for years.
However, it’s important to note that while there is no numerical limit on how many visas are approved a year for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, that is not the case for those in the family preference category. This can have an impact on the timeline in which a family preference visa gets approved.
Book a consultation with a Texas immigration lawyer today.
What Happens in the Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation with an immigration attorney in Austin consists of discussing the details of your particular issue. For example, we will determine whether you are eligible to apply for a green card based on your circumstances.
Even if you do not qualify for employment-based or family-based immigration, you may prove eligible if you have refugee or asylee status, are a human trafficking or crime victim, or fall into one of various other categories.
It is possible to apply for U.S. naturalization on your own, but it is not advisable. Even minor errors on the forms can result in a denial of your application. Those whose first language is not English are at increased risk of making small mistakes that jeopardize their application.
The same holds true if any required paperwork is not submitted. An Austin green card lawyer ensures that all documentation is correct and filed by strict deadlines. At Martinez Immigration, we handle the following types of immigration cases:
- Citizenship
- DACA
- Deportation defense
- Family visas
- Naturalization law
How to Start the Immigration Process
For those seeking family-based immigration, the formal immigration process starts with the filing Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, by your lawful U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor. As noted, employers must file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers.
How to Make an Appeal and Take Legal Action
If your application is denied, do not lose hope, there are still steps you can take. The USCIS always provides a reason for the denial. An immigration attorney in Austin, Texas can file an appeal and represent you in litigation. By hiring an immigration lawyer, the odds of having your appeal approved rise significantly.
Many cases are rejected because the paperwork was not filed correctly. Avoid that outcome by having an Austin immigration lawyer handle your application from the beginning.
Speak with a Texas immigration lawyer, today.
Get Started Today. Martinez Immigration Can Help.
If you or someone you know have an immigration issue, you need the services of an experienced immigration attorney in Texas at Martinez Immigration. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. We represent our clients from consultancy to legal support.
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No Matter What your immigration needs or questions are…
We take great pride in providing immigration services to our clients. Our mission to reunite families drives us to succeed.
