By Kieran C. O’Sullivan, Immigration Counselor



This week one of my calls was from an Irish man who wondered if his US citizen sister could sponsor him and his family. He had just been laid off from his job in Ireland and is now looking at emigration options. His sister can file an alien relative petition for him but because of visa allocation limitations; there is a long wait for a visa under that category. In his case, we are able to examine and suggest other visa options.
The family sponsored preferences are set out as follows:

Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Citizens: 23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference. Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, and any unused first preference numbers: Spouses and Children: 77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit; Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older): 23% of the overall second preference limitation. Married Sons and Daughters of Citizens: 23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences. Brothers and Sisters of Adult Citizens: 65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences.

Priority Dates for Family Based Visas

Each month the US Department of State issues a Visa Bulletin on its website atwww.state.gov and there people can see where the DOS stands with visa issuance.

I also had a call this week from an Irish immigrant who has filed for legal permanent residency status after marriage to a US citizen. He did not have an attorney review the file before it was sent into USCIS, and he did not keep a copy of the many forms filled in and submitted to USCIS. Although he was not aware of it at the time, these are both things an applicant should not do when filing for a visa or legal permanent residency status. We want to remind readers it is not a good idea to file for immigration status without having an attorney review one’s eligibility. It is very important to keep a complete photocopy of all documents filed to the USCIS and to keep copies of all notices from them in connection with an application.
Free Legal Clinic

Our next legal clinic will be on Feb. 5, at 630 pm in the Banshee, 954 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester. If inclement weather is forecast, call the office for confirmation the clinic well go ahead if scheduled. Immigration attorneys will be present and will provide free 1:1 consultations. You may also call or email with any questions on visas, green cards and US citizenship.

Email me today with your immigration query or a topic you would like us to cover:[email protected]
Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in it is provided to inform generally, and is not intended as a substitute for individual advice. Immigration law is subject to frequent changes and individual circumstances can affect the application of certain legal provisions. For individual legal advice, please contact the Irish Pastoral Centre directly regarding upcoming legal clinics or consultation with an immigration attorney.