Family-Based Green Card for Turkish Citizens
As a Turkish citizen, it may be possible to achieve lawful permanent residency in the United States through Family-based Green Cards.
Let our immigration experts at Total Law assist you in determining if you qualify for a Green Card and guide you through the application process. We’re here to assist you every step of the way. Call +1 844 290 6312 or reach out to us online.
Page Contents
- Overview of Family-Based Green Card for Turkish Citizens
- Categories of the Family-Based Green Cards for Turkish Citizens
- Eligibility Criteria for US Family-Based Green Card for Turkish Citizens
- Documents for Turkish Citizens Applying for a Family-Based Green Card
- How to Apply for a Family-Based Green Card as a Turkish Citizen
- Family-Based Green Card Processing Times for Turkish Citizens
- Family-Based Green Card Processing Cost
- Interview Process for Turkish Citizens Applying for a Family-Based Green Card?
- How Can Total Law Help?
- FAQs
Overview of Family-Based Green Card for Turkish Citizens
Turkish citizens who have close family members who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents may be eligible to apply for a Green Card. There are two categories of family-based Green Card petitions: immediate relative and family preference.
US citizens have the advantage of sponsoring a wider range of relatives, and their foreign relatives typically get faster Green Card processing compared to the relatives of permanent residents.
The Turkish family member is called the “applicant,” and the US citizen or permanent resident facilitating the application is known as the “sponsor.” The process begins when the sponsor submits a petition on the applicant’s behalf to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
For Turkish citizens, understanding the process is important. Eligibility, required documents, and timelines vary, and it’s important to be aware of the specifics before starting your application.
Categories of the Family-Based Green Cards for Turkish Citizens
When a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident (or a Green Card holder) sponsors a family member from Turkey, the categories available are:
Immediate Relative Category
Immediate relatives of US citizens have a special status in the US immigration system. Unlike other family-sponsored categories that are subject to annual caps, there are an unlimited number of visas available. This often means faster processing times when compared to other immigrant visa categories.
You must have one of the following relationships with the sponsoring US citizen:
- Married to a US citizen.
- The parent of a US citizen who is at least 21 years old.
- An unmarried individual under the age of 21 who has at least one US citizen parent.
Family Preference Category
Family preference categories for Green Cards are a pathway for certain relatives of US citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to obtain permanent residency. However, unlike the immediate relatives category, these visas are limited each year, which often means longer waiting times.
The types under the family preference category are:
- First preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens who are 21 years of age or older.
- Second preference (F2): There are two sub-categories under the second preference.
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of lawful permanent residents.
- F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters who are 21 years of age or older of lawful permanent residents.
- Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of US citizens, along with their spouses and minor children.
- Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of US citizens, provided the US citizen sponsor is at least 21 years old. This category also includes the siblings’ spouses and minor children.
The United States Department of State issues a monthly Visa Bulletin that provides an update on the availability of immigrant visas. Due to the annual limits in these family preference categories, applicants often have to wait for their priority date to become current before they can move forward with their application.
Eligibility Criteria for US Family-Based Green Card for Turkish Citizens
To be eligible for a Green Card as a Turkish citizen, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a qualifying family relationship with a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident living in the US.
- Your US-based family member must file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on your behalf.
- Your sponsoring family member must demonstrate financial ability to support you in the US. The current financial requirement is a minimum annual income of $24,650, or 125% of the US Federal Poverty Level. Your sponsor must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
- If the primary sponsor doesn’t meet the income requirement, a co-sponsor can step in. Co-sponsors must not share the same residence as the primary sponsor and must individually meet the required income level. Every co-sponsor needs to submit their own Form I-864.
- All intending immigrants must be admissible to the US and should not have disqualifying factors like criminal convictions and immigration violations.
- Your US-based family sponsor should be at least 18 years old and should be residing in the US (or possess the intent to return to the country if currently living abroad).
Applying for a Green Card can be a complex process, so it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements and that your application is properly prepared.
Documents for Turkish Citizens Applying for a Family-Based Green Card
For Family-based Green Card applications, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to prove your eligibility. You will need to submit the following:
- Passport valid with six months remaining after entry into the US
- Two coloured passport-sized photographs that meet the US visa photo requirements
- Medical examination form
- Birth certificate
- Marriage termination document (if you or your sponsoring family member have been previously married)
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Marriage certificate
- Police clearance
- Proof of relationship
- Proof of legal entry (such as a copy of your I-94 record)
- A copy of your sponsoring family member’s US passport, naturalisation certificate, or Green Card
All documents that are not in English need to be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Our expert team at Total Law will guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re unsure about your eligibility, your documents, or the category to apply for, we’re here to help you. To schedule a consultation, call +1 844 290 6312 or contact us online for immediate assistance.
How to Apply for a Family-Based Green Card as a Turkish Citizen
Regardless of whether you fall under the immediate relative category or the family preference category, the process of obtaining a Green Card largely remains the same. You will need to do the following:
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: Your US-based relative begins the process by filing the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with the USCIS.
- Once the I-130 is approved, it is forwarded to the National Visa Centre (NVC). If the beneficiary is outside the US, they must wait for a visa number to become available (if not immediately available for immediate relatives).
- Undergo consular processing
- Complete Form DS-261: An online choice of address and agent form.
- Pay the visa application fee: This fee is separate from the I-130 filing fee.
- Complete and submit Form DS-260
- Submit all required documents
- Attend the Visa interview: The US embassy or consulate in Ankara, Turkey will schedule a visa interview. You should be prepared to answer questions about your relationship with the US sponsor and other background questions that will be asked by the consulate officers. Ensure to bring all original documents and any additional supporting evidence.
After your visa is granted, you will receive a Visa Packet from the consular officer. You will be required to pay the USCIS immigrant fee of $220, which covers the cost of processing your visa packet and producing your Green Card.
Once you have paid the USCIS immigrant fee, your visa packet will be processed, and your Green Card will be delivered within a few weeks.
Family-Based Green Card Processing Times for Turkish Citizens
The processing time for a Family-based Green Card application for a Turkish citizen varies depending on the applicant’s relationship to the US citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsoring the application.
- Spouses of US citizens: 13-26 months
- Parents of US citizens: 10-13 months
- Unmarried adult children of US citizens: 7-8 years
- Siblings of US citizens: 24+ years
These processing times may vary depending on the individual case. For example, if you have a criminal history or have been involved in immigration fraud, the processing time may be longer.
You should be aware that the processing times for Family-based Green Cards can be longer than average due to the high number of applications from Turkey.
Family-Based Green Card Processing Cost
The cost of processing a family-based Green Card depends on a number of factors, including the applicant’s relationship to the US citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsoring the application, and the applicant’s age.
The following are the current processing fees:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relatives): $535
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): $1,140
- Form DS-261 (Immigration Visa Application): $325
- USCIS immigrant fee: $220
- Biometrics fee: $85
In addition to the filing fees, applicants may also need to pay other fees, such as medical examination fees.
Interview Process for Turkish Citizens Applying for a Family-Based Green Card?
The interview will be conducted by a US consular officer at a US embassy or consulate in Turkey. The consular officer will ask questions about your relationship with the person sponsoring your application, your immigration history, and your future plans, as well as assess your documentation.
You should be honest and polite in your answers and ensure you bring all of the required paperwork to the interview
If you are not approved for a Green Card at the interview, the consular officer will explain the reasons for the denial. You may be able to reapply for a Green Card at a later date, but you will need to address the reasons for the denial in your new application.
To avoid a denial during the Green Card interview, contact our experienced immigration lawyers at Total Law. We can provide you with tips on how to answer the questions in a way that will increase your chances of approval. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 or chat online.
How Can Total Law Help?
Total Law has a strong record of helping Turkish citizens successfully navigate the US visa process. We understand the disappointment and anxiety that can come with visa rejections, and we are fiercely dedicated to helping our Turkish clientele avoid these setbacks.
If you are a Turkish citizen seeking a US Family-based Green Card, we offer comprehensive guidance and adept assistance. Our skilled team is ready to provide you with guidance and increase the success rate of your application.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling US Family-based Green Card applications for Turkish citizens. We are well-versed in the latest laws and regulations, and we are committed to staying up-to-date on all the latest developments.
We understand that every case is unique and will take the time to understand your individual circumstances and develop a personalised strategy for your application. Call us today at +1 844 290 6312 or reach out to us online to get started.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
Consular Processing is for those currently outside the US and might take a longer time to process than the Adjustment of Status. On the other hand, Adjustment of Status is for individuals already in the US on a different visa. This process allows them to stay in the US throughout the application period.
You can maintain your permanent residence status after obtaining a Green Card by staying in the United States, obeying the law, paying taxes, and registering with Selective Service.
In addition to these, you may also need to file a Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, to remove the conditions on their Green Card if you obtained it through marriage to a US citizen or permanent resident within the first two years of your marriage.
Turkish citizens applying for a Family-based Green Card are required to undergo a medical examination and provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases. The medical examination must be performed by a designated civil surgeon in the US or a panel physician outside of the US.
The medical examination will include a physical examination, a review of medical history, and blood tests. The doctor may also order additional tests, such as a chest X-ray or urine test, if necessary.
If you are unable to obtain all of the required vaccinations due to medical reasons, you may be able to obtain a waiver. However, you must still undergo the medical examination.
Turkish citizens with a Family-based Green Card must have a valid Green Card and a valid passport to travel outside of the United States. They may also need to obtain a visa for the country they are visiting.
If you plan to stay outside of the United States for more than six months, you should apply for a re-entry permit. A re-entry permit allows them to return to the United States without having to apply for a new visa.
