Colombia's Top Immigration Law Firm

Family Based Immigration USA

Get personalized expert guidance and support for Bringing Children and Family of U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents into the U.S from Colombia.

If you are a US Citizen You may petition for...

Children

  • Children (unmarried and under 21)
  • Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or over) - Your son or daughter’s child(ren) may be included on this petition.
  • Married sons and daughters (any age) - Your son or daughter’s spouse and/or child(ren) may be included on this petition.

Parents

  • Your biological, Step, or adoptive mother or father (If you are over 21)

Spouse

  • Your spouse (if you were married lawfully married abroad)

We Specialize in Providing Guidance and Counsel to Those Seeking US Immigration Services From Colombia.

Whether you're looking to eventually become a US Citizen, or you just want to spend a long period of time in the country, we can advise you on the best process.

Work 1:1 With A Member of Our Team Throughout your entire process:

Our commitment to personalized service means that you will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a dedicated immigration professional who will assist you every step of the way.

Reduced Stress

Focusing solely on Colombia and the United States streamlines our firm's operations, ensuring that you will consistently collaborate with professionals who possess expertise in your specific circumstances, and who are exclusively dedicated to the Colombian and U.S. immigration landscape.

Focused on US and Colombian Immigration Processes

Whether you're looking to secure a U.S. visa, obtain Colombian residency, or explore opportunities that bridge both nations, our dedicated team is well-equipped to provide tailored guidance, ensuring your journey is as smooth and successful as possible.

Your Partners

Daniela Cordoba
Founder and Lead Attorney

Daniela Cordoba is a lawyer specializing in immigration and commercial law. Daniela Cordoba has helped individuals and businesses live and operate in Colombia for over a decade. She also has training in compliance with the respective accreditations to serve as Compliance Officer.

Mike Funkhouser
Co-Founder and Client Support Lead

Mike co-founded Colombian Visa Services after moving to Colombia from the United States and finding the process of obtaining a visa difficult and frustrating. Daniela helped make the process so simple and stress-free that he partnered with her to provide the to help others.

Over 1,200 Visas Accepted

For the past decade we have been helping travelers secure visas to Colombia.

Personalized Support

We work with you 1:1 to ensure you not only have the best chance of getting approval, but that you have every one of your questions answers.

Fluent in English and Spanish

You don't have to worry about having to translate emails or communication, our team is fluent in English and can help you with whatever you need.

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements For US Citizenship for Children

These are the specific requirements to apply for a US Citizenship as the child of a US citizen, however you may be required to submit additional documentation throughout the application process to prove the validity of your relationship.

At Least One U.S. Citizen Parent:
The child must have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization.
Parental Relationship:
The child's parentage must be established. For children born out of wedlock, the U.S. citizen parent must establish a biological relationship with the child and meet certain legal requirements to transmit citizenship.
Physical Presence in the United States:
The U.S. citizen parent must have resided in the United States for a certain period of time before the child's birth. The requirements vary depending on when the child was born and whether the parent is a citizen by birth or naturalization.
Age Requirements:
The child's age may impact their eligibility for citizenship acquisition. Generally, if the child is under the age of 18, they may acquire citizenship automatically if all other requirements are met. However, there are special provisions for children who were born before or after certain dates, so it's essential to review the specific rules based on the child's circumstances.
Children Don't Qualify For Citizenship?

Children's Application for a US Green Card

Include Child in the Parent's Green Card Application

If the child is under 21 years old and unmarried, they may be eligible to be included in the parent's green card application as a derivative beneficiary. The U.S. citizen spouse should file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for both the spouse and the child. If the parent is already in the United States and eligible to adjust status, they can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for both themselves and the child concurrently.

family colombia

Filing Separate Petition for Child:

If the child cannot be included as a derivative beneficiary in the parent's green card application (for example, if the child is over 21 or married), the U.S. citizen spouse may need to file a separate Form I-130 for the child. Once the I-130 is approved, the child can apply for an immigrant visa or adjust status to lawful permanent residency.

Bringing Your Parents To The US

Green Card For Parents

US Citizens and Green Card Holders can Sponsor Their Parents

To bring parents to the United States, as a U.S. citizen, you must file Form I-130, establishing your relationship. After USCIS approves the petition, it's forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). Your parents will then complete visa applications, attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, undergo a medical examination, and if approved, receive immigrant visas. Upon arrival in the United States, they will receive their Green Cards by mail, granting them lawful permanent residency.

Peace of Mind Throughout Your Application Process

From your first questions, through the application process, until you receive your green card. We are with you every step of the way.

Contact Us Today To Learn More

Why Our Clients Love Us

We spend the time to get to know you and your story so your application is perfect the first time.

"I found the services rendered by Daniela Cordoba at Colombian Visa Services to be very professional, welcoming and, most importantly, efficacious.  What I was not able to do on my own for 8 months of trying,  Colombia Visa Services did in 2 months.  Daniela was always very prompt in responding to whatever questions I asked her via e-mail.  The initial free contact conversation was extremely beneficial.  The challenge was being able to remember all the helpful information that Daniela was sharing with me."

Robert R

"I would highly recommend Colombian Visa Services to anyone who needs advisory obtaining a Colombian Migrant Visa. Their exceptional service, combined with their expertise and efficiency, truly set them apart from other services. I am so grateful to have worked with them and will definitely use their services again when I need to renew. Thank you, Colombian Visa Services!"

Sophie M

"Colombian Visa Services were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. They were always available to answer my questions and provide guidance, which gave me a lot of confidence and peace of mind. They were also incredibly friendly and patient, which made the whole experience a pleasure."

Andy S

We are so very happy with Colombian Visa Services and Daniela! Years ago we were able to do our documents ourselves and it was so easy. As the years went, we had to get help with different visa services. The last we had was really not efficient and let my wife's documents lapse and it was a 6 month nightmare to get everything fixed. Daniela really KNEW what she was doing, was super helpful and professional and was so eager to help! My wife's renewal came in the VERY NEXT DAY! I highly recommend Colombian Visa Services to anyone who needs help getting or renewing their documents! Fast! Efficient! Knowledgeable! And very reasonably priced! And best of all, Daniela speaks English perfectly!

John G

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Contact Us Today

We will help you every step of the way, so you can focus on the enjoying your new relationship without worrying about the paperwork.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about what you need to obtain a Colombian Retirement Visa and how we can help.

Who is Eligible For A Family Based Petition?

Eligibility for a family visa in the USA depends on the specific type of family relationship you have with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The following are some of the common family-based visa categories:

Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas: These are for the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old).

Family Preference Immigrant Visas: These are for more distant family relationships with U.S. citizens and some specified relationships with lawful permanent residents. This includes unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and siblings of adult U.S. citizens.

K-1 Visa (Fiancé(e) Visa): This is for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens. It allows the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry the U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.

K-3 Visa (Spouse of a U.S. Citizen Waiting for Immigrant Visa): This is for spouses of U.S. citizens who are waiting abroad for an immigrant visa.

V-1 and V-2 Visas: These are for spouses and children of lawful permanent residents awaiting the availability of an immigrant visa.

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How Long Does it Take To Get a Family Based Green Card?


The processing time for a family visa in the USA can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of family visa, the current backlog of applications, the applicant's country of origin, and whether any additional processing steps are required.Here are some general estimates for processing times for common family-based immigrant visas:

Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas: These visas, which include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens, generally have shorter processing times compared to other family preference categories. In some cases, the entire process from filing the petition to receiving the visa can take around 8 months to a year.

Family Preference Immigrant Visas: These visas, such as those for married children of U.S. citizens and siblings of adult U.S. citizens, often have longer processing times due to annual visa quotas and higher demand. The processing time for these visas can range from 1 to 5 years or more, depending on the specific category and country of origin.

Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1): The processing time for K-1 visas can vary, but it generally takes around 6 to 12 months from the time of filing the petition to the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)'s home country.

Spouse of a U.S. Citizen Waiting for Immigrant Visa (K-3): The processing time for K-3 visas can also vary, but it typically takes around 8 to 12 months from the time of filing the petition to the visa interview.

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Can I move to America if I have family there?

Whether you can move to America to join family members depends on various factors such as your relationship with them, their immigration status, and available visa options.

Close family members who are U.S. citizens or green card holders may sponsor you for a family-based immigrant visa, including spouse, parent, child, or sibling visas.

Additionally, if you are engaged to or married to a U.S. citizen, you may qualify for a fiancé(e) or spouse visa. Other family-based visa categories exist, but eligibility and waiting periods vary.

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Can you work on a family visa USA?

Whether you can work in the United States on a family visa depends on the type of visa you hold. Immediate relative immigrant visa holders, such as spouses or parents of U.S. citizens, can typically apply for work authorization (EAD) after filing for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident. K-1 fiancé(e) visa and K-3 spouse visa holders can also apply for work authorization after marrying their U.S. citizen sponsor and filing for adjustment of status.

However, family preference immigrant visa holders, like spouses or children of lawful permanent residents, may face restrictions on working until they become lawful permanent residents.

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Can I bring my parents to USA permanently?

Yes, as a U.S. citizen, you may be able to bring your parents to the USA permanently through the family-based immigration process.

Parents of U.S. citizens fall under the immediate relative immigrant visa category (IR-5), which means there is an unlimited number of visas available for this category each year. To bring your parents to the USA permanently, you typically need to follow these steps:

1. File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish your relationship with your parents.

2. Once the I-130 petition is approved, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

3. The NVC will request additional documentation and fees from you and your parents. This may include the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate your financial ability to support your parents in the USA.

4. Your parents will need to undergo background checks and attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

5. If approved, your parents will receive immigrant visas, allowing them to enter the USA as lawful permanent residents.

6. Once in the USA, your parents will receive their green cards, which grant them permanent residency status.

It's important to note that the process for bringing parents to the USA permanently can be complex, and there may be specific eligibility requirements and documentation needed. Consulting with an immigration attorney or referring to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date information and guidance is recommended.

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How do I get a U.S. visa for my child?

To obtain a U.S. visa for your child, the process generally depends on whether you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), as well as your child's age and circumstances. Here are the general steps:

Determine Eligibility
: If you are a U.S. citizen, your child may be eligible for U.S. citizenship based on your status, depending on factors such as the child's age, marital status, and whether you are the child's biological or adoptive parent. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you may be able to petition for your unmarried child to immigrate to the U.S. as a family preference immigrant.

File Petition (Form I-130): As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you will typically need to file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish your relationship with your child and indicate your intention to sponsor them for immigration.

Wait for Approval: Once you file the Form I-130 petition, you will need to wait for USCIS to process and approve it. Processing times can vary, but you can check the USCIS website for current processing times.

Receive Notification and Further Instructions: Once the petition is approved, USCIS will send you a notice confirming the approval and providing further instructions on next steps.

Apply for Visa: If your child is outside the U.S., they will typically need to apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. This involves submitting additional forms and documents, attending an interview, and undergoing medical and background checks.

Attend Interview (if applicable): If your child is applying for an immigrant visa from outside the U.S., they will need to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Receive Visa or Green Card: If the visa application is approved, your child will receive an immigrant visa, allowing them to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. Once in the U.S., they will receive their green card.

It's important to note that the process and requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as the child's age and whether they are inside or outside the U.S. It's recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or refer to the official USCIS website for detailed guidance and instructions specific to your situation.

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