Tampa Family Immigration Attorney

Experience Counts!

Your future visa status will likely shape your life and future generations. Successful completion of the immigration process is of paramount importance.

Maney Gordon Zeller has assisted over 38,000 persons in addressing their US immigration needs. Over the past 40 years, we have served the interests of immigrants from all five major continents in reaching their goals to live and work in the United States.

Maney Gordon Zeller is authorized to practice immigration law in all 50 states and before the Department of State abroad.

Although a national law firm, we operate on a personal level, with high priority given to each client.

Foreign nationals have many options for immigrating or working in the United States. Maney Gordon Zeller provides legal representation in the following areas:

Areas of Representation for Family/Individual Visas

Family Visas

• Spouses of US citizens or Permanent Residents
• Finances of US citizens
• Children of US citizens or Permanent Residents
• Adult Sons/Daughters of US Citizens or Permanent Residents
• Brothers/Sisters of US Citizens
• International Adoptions
• Hague Convention Adoptions
• Appeals of Family Petition Denials

US Citizenship

• Naturalization
• Citizenship
• Derivative Citizenship
• Appeals of Naturalization Denials
• Fiancee Visa
• Asylum

Individual Temporary Visas

• B-1 Visitor for Business
• B-2 Visitor for Pleasure
• E-1 Treaty Trader
• E-2 Treaty Investor
• F – Academic Student
• H – Specialty Occupation Visa
• I – Media Journalist
• J – Exchange Visitor
• K – Fiancé
• L – Intracompany Transferee
• M – Vocational Student
• O – Outstanding Ability
• P – Performers
• Q – Culturally Unique Performers
• R – Religious Workers
• TN – Professionals Canadian or Mexican
• U – Victims of Crime
• V – Victims of Trafficking

Contact a Tampa family visa attorney today to receive excellent service for your immigration issue. We also have an office in Philadelphia. Call (800) 708-4399.

What is Family-Based Immigration?

Family-based immigration is a system through which individuals can immigrate to a country based on their familial relationships with existing citizens or legal residents of that country. This process allows for the reunification of families and is often a significant component of a country's immigration policy.

Common types of visas associated with family-based immigration vary depending on the country, but some of the most common ones include:

• Immediate Relative Visas: These are typically reserved for spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents of U.S. citizens in the United States. They do not have numerical limits, meaning there is no cap on the number of visas issued annually.
• Family Preference Visas: These visas are for more distant relatives of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. There are several categories within family preference visas, including:
  • F1 Visa: For unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children.
  • F2 Visa: For spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of legal permanent residents.
  • F3 Visa: For married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children.
  • F4 Visa: For siblings of U.S. citizens, along with their spouses and minor children, provided the citizen is at least 21 years old.
• Spouse or Partner Visas: These visas are for spouses or partners of citizens or permanent residents of a country. They may be referred to as marriage visas or partner visas depending on the country's terminology.
• Parent Visas: Some countries offer visas specifically for the parents of citizens or permanent residents to join their children in the country of residence.
• Child Visas: These visas are for children of citizens or permanent residents who do not qualify as immediate relatives due to age or marital status.
• Adoption Visas: Countries often have specific visa categories for children adopted by citizens or permanent residents of that country from abroad.

Each country has its own specific immigration laws and visa categories, so the types of family-based visas available can vary significantly between countries. Additionally, the process, requirements, and waiting times for family-based immigration can also vary depending on the country's immigration policies and the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.

Common Legal Challenges of Family Immigration

Family-based immigration can often be accompanied by various legal challenges, which can arise due to complexities in immigration law, visa application procedures, and familial circumstances. Some common legal challenges include:

• Eligibility Requirements: Meeting the eligibility criteria for family-based immigration can be complex. Both the petitioner (the family member sponsoring the immigrant) and the beneficiary (the immigrant) must meet certain requirements, such as proving the familial relationship, demonstrating financial capability, and meeting health and character requirements.
• Backlogs and Waiting Times: Many countries, including the United States, have quotas or numerical limits on the number of family-based visas issued each year. This can lead to significant backlogs and lengthy waiting times for visa processing, especially for certain categories of family visas with high demand.
• Complex Documentation: Family-based immigration applications typically require extensive documentation to prove the familial relationship, the financial capability of the sponsor, and other eligibility criteria. Gathering and organizing these documents can be challenging, especially if they need to be translated or authenticated.
• Admissibility Issues: Immigrants may face admissibility issues based on factors such as criminal history, health issues, or previous immigration violations. These issues can complicate the visa application process and may require waivers or other legal remedies.
• Changes in Immigration Policies: Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, which can affect the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and processing times for family-based immigration. Keeping up-to-date with changes in immigration law and policy is crucial for navigating the immigration process effectively.
• Complexity of the Immigration System: The legal framework governing family-based immigration can be complex and difficult to navigate, especially for individuals without legal expertise. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help applicants understand their rights and obligations, navigate the application process, and address any legal challenges that arise.
• Consular Processing and Interviews: For family-based immigration applications processed through consular offices abroad, applicants must undergo interviews to determine their eligibility for a visa. These interviews can be stressful and may involve complex legal questions about the applicant's background, intentions, and eligibility for immigration.

Avoid Immigration Scams

Permanent residents may find themselves in Orlando immigration court. Very often we are asked to help immigrants that should never have been in immigration court altogether, had they been properly advised. The sad truth is bad advice will cost you dearly. Immigration is a complex area of law. Scam artists know this and often take advantage of immigrants that don't have proper representation. Therefore, we've assembled a few tips to help you avoid immigration scams.

1. Be wary of "official" telephone calls from USCIS

As a general rule, USCIS officials rarely call you. A genuine USCIS official would rather see you in person. Always write down the full name and contact information of the person calling you. NEVER provide your alien number (A#), social security number, credit card number, or bank information to someone claiming to be from USCIS or immigration court. Keep in mind that USCIS does not accept payment of immigration fees or bonds over the phone.

2. Notarios are not Attorneys

In many Central and South American countries, a "Notario Publico" (Public Notary) is an officer of the court. The same is not true in the United States. However, many "Notarios" take advantage of this confusion and offer legal services without being qualified to dispense legal advice. Countless mmigrants at the Orlando immigration court are victims of notario fraud. Moreover, the Orlando USCIS office may immediately suspect fraud regarding your application if it was prepared by a notario, or paralegal practicing without the supervision of a licensed attorney.

3. Never purchase USCIS forms from a website

I guarantee you that any website selling immigration forms is not authorized to do so by USCIS. Keep in mind that USCIS does not charge a fee for forms. The best way to insure you have the latest USCIS forms is to visit the USCIS site or visit an experienced immigration attorney.

4. There are no guarantees when dealing with USCIS or the Orlando Immigration Court

If an attorney (or notario, or paralegal) guarantees a specific result with USCIS or Immigration Court, they are not telling the truth! Immigration and USCIS rules are complex. You and your family deserve knowledgeable and honest advice. Please don't be scammed by a promise that won't be kept.

5. For any USCIS, immigration, or immigration court issue

Please seek the advice of a knowledgeable immigration attorney who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association ("AILA").

Better yet, call us at Maney & Gordon, P.A. We have offices in Orlando, Tampa, El Paso, and Albuquerque. We know USCIS and we know immigration law and frequently appear before the Orlando Immigration Court. We have the knowledge and experience to provide you the best representation possible when dealing with USCIS and the immigration court.

How We Can Help

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we understand the complexities and challenges associated with immigration law. Here are the benefits of hiring our immigration lawyers:

• Expertise and Experience: Our immigration lawyers possess in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in navigating the intricacies of immigration law. We stay updated with the latest changes in immigration regulations, procedures, and policies to provide accurate and reliable legal guidance.
• Tailored Legal Strategies: We recognize that each immigration case is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. Our lawyers take the time to understand your specific situation and goals, allowing us to develop personalized legal strategies tailored to your needs.
• Comprehensive Support: From initial consultations to the final resolution of your immigration matter, we provide comprehensive support every step of the way. Whether you are applying for a visa, seeking asylum, facing deportation proceedings, or pursuing citizenship, our lawyers offer guidance, advocacy, and representation to help you achieve a favorable outcome.
• Document Preparation and Review: Our lawyers assist with the preparation and review of all necessary documentation required for your immigration case. We ensure that your application forms, supporting evidence, and legal submissions are accurate, complete, and compliant with immigration regulations, minimizing the risk of delays or denials.
• Representation in Legal Proceedings: If your immigration case involves legal proceedings, such as immigration court hearings or appeals, our lawyers provide skilled representation to protect your rights and interests. We advocate on your behalf before immigration authorities, administrative agencies, and courts to seek the most favorable resolution possible.
• Navigating Complex Procedures: Immigration processes can be complex and confusing, especially for individuals unfamiliar with the legal system. Our lawyers guide you through the entire immigration process, explaining each step, addressing your concerns, and ensuring that you understand your rights and options.
• Maximizing Chances of Success: With our expertise and dedication, we work diligently to maximize your chances of success in achieving your immigration goals. Whether it's obtaining a visa, securing permanent residency, or defending against deportation, our lawyers strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Overall, our team provides you with the knowledge, support, and advocacy you need to navigate the complexities of immigration law effectively. We are committed to helping you overcome legal challenges, achieve your immigration objectives, and build a better future for yourself and your loved ones.

Contact a Tampa family visa lawyer today to receive excellent service for your immigration issue. We also have an office in Philadelphia. Call (800) 708-4399.