Immigration Law
Family Visa Attorney
Family‑based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to help loved ones gain lawful status in the United States. While the process offers a chance to reunite families, it also involves strict regulations and detailed evidentiary requirements.
At Buhler Thomas Law, P.C., our Utah family visa attorneys provide expert legal representation from comprehensive evidentiary documentation and legal analysis to the preparation, filing, and monitoring of all USCIS submissions. We identify issues early, strengthen each case, and protect family unity throughout the process.
Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas
These visa categories are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, defined as an Immediate Relative (IR) under U.S. immigration regulations. Because these visas are not subject to annual limits, eligible family members may apply as soon as all requirements are met.
Immediate relative visa types include:
- IR‑1: Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- IR‑2: Unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen
- IR‑3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen
- IR‑4: Orphan to be adopted in the United States by a U.S. citizen
- IR‑5: Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old
Family Preference Immigrant Visas
Family preference visas apply to certain extended family relationships with U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs). Unlike immediate relative visas, these categories are subject to annual numerical limits, often resulting in longer wait times before a visa becomes available.
Family preference visa categories include:
- F‑1 (Family First Preference): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their minor children — 23,400 visas per year.
- F‑2 (Family Second Preference): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents — 114,200 visas per year. About 77% are reserved for spouses and children; the remainder for unmarried adult sons and daughters.
- F‑3 (Family Third Preference): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children — 23,400 visas per year.
- F‑4 (Family Fourth Preference): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children — 65,000 visas per year.
Numerical Limitations for Family‑Based Preference Categories
When the number of qualified applicants exceeds the annual quota for a specific family‑based visa category, a waiting period applies. Immigrant visas are then issued in chronological order based on each applicant’s priority date, the date the petition was properly filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
An immigrant visa cannot be issued until the applicant’s priority date becomes current under the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. In categories where the number of approved petitions far exceeds available visas, applicants may experience a delay of several years, or occasionally longer, before a visa becomes available.
Utah Family Visa Lawyer
At Buhler Thomas Law P.C., our Utah family immigration attorneys have over 30 years of experience helping families navigate complex U.S. immigration laws. We understand the uncertainty of waiting for visa approval and the difficulty of being separated from loved ones.
Our attorneys handle every step, from planning and documentation to filing and interview preparation, so you stay informed and protected throughout the process.
Serving clients statewide, nationwide, and abroad, we’re committed to helping families reunite and secure lawful immigration status.
Contact today to speak with a trusted family visa lawyer in Utah.
