Grayson, GA Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

The immigration statutes specify the period of time one must be a Permanent Resident before becoming eligible to apply to become a naturalized citizen - generally 5 years for most people, and 3 years for most people married to U.S. citizens. The application itself may be filed 90 days before reaching the 5-year or 3-year mark. Those time periods are not flexible or subject to discretion. In order to become a naturalized citizen at the earliest possible time, it is important to have an application that is properly prepared and fully documented. Errors in completing the application and/or the submission of insufficient documentation can cause significant delays (or even denials). Some immigration law firms, including mine, offer legal services on a "flat fee" basis so that a client will know the total expense from the very beginning, and a few immigration law firms, including mine, offer an initial consultation free of charge.

Significantly more information is needed in order to provide a legal analysis and conclusion. Generally, someone who overstays a visa and becomes out of status is ineligible to adjust status (apply for a "Green Card") in the United States, and instead will need to go abroad to pursue "consular processing." If a foreign national overstayed a visa for 180 days or 1 year, he/she may be subject to a 3-year or 10-year bar to re-entering the U.S. If, however, the foreign national entered the U.S. lawfully and with inspection, then became married to a U.S. citizen, he/she may be eligible to apply to adjust status in the Immediate Relative visa category notwithstanding that he/she overstayed a visa. It would be wise to work with an immigration attorney who could learn all of the relevant facts and then advise you about eligibilities, options and strategies, and who could provide legal representation in the process. Some immigration law firms, including mine, offer legal services on a "flat fee" basis so that a client will know the total expense from the very beginning, and a few immigration law firms, including mine, offer an initial consultation free of charge.

No it will not affect you. If you do not want your aunt to have your financial information, you may send the affidavit of support (form I-134) directly to the US consulate that she will apply.