Steps to Apply for a Family Reunion Visa for Grandparents in Haiti

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Family Reunion Visa for Grandparents in Haiti

Introduction:

A family reunion visa allows grandparents to join their U.S. citizen or permanent resident grandchildren in the United States. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the application process for grandparents from Haiti.

Eligibility:

  • The grandchild must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • The grandparent must be the biological or adoptive grandparent of the grandchild.
  • The grandparent must be at least 51 years old.
  • The grandparent must demonstrate that they will be financially supported by the grandchild.

Documents Required:

For the Grandparent:

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of financial support from the grandchild
  • Medical examination report
  • Police clearance certificate

For the Grandchild:

  • Birth certificate
  • U.S. passport or permanent resident card
  • Proof of income or assets to support the grandparent
  • Affidavit of support

Application Process:

1. File Form I-130 Petition:

  • The grandchild must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • The filing fee is $535.

2. Wait for Approval:

  • USCIS will review the petition and issue a decision within several months.
  • If approved, USCIS will send the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC).

3. Receive Welcome Letter from NVC:

  • The NVC will send a welcome letter to the grandparent with instructions on how to pay the visa fee and submit additional documents.

4. Pay Visa Fee and Submit Documents:

  • The grandparent must pay the visa fee of $325.
  • They must also submit the following documents:
    • Passport
    • Birth certificate
    • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
    • Proof of financial support
    • Medical examination report
    • Police clearance certificate

5. Schedule Interview:

  • Once the NVC has received all the required documents, they will schedule an interview for the grandparent at the U.S. embassy or consulate in Haiti.

6. Attend Interview:

  • The grandparent must attend the interview in person.
  • They will be asked questions about their relationship with the grandchild and their financial support.

7. Visa Issuance:

  • If the grandparent is approved for the visa, the embassy or consulate will issue them an immigrant visa.
  • The grandparent will have six months to enter the United States.

Additional Considerations:

  • The processing time for a family reunion visa can take several years.
  • Grandparents may be required to provide additional documents or information during the application process.
  • It is recommended to seek legal advice from an experienced immigration attorney throughout the process.

Conclusion:

Applying for a family reunion visa for grandparents in Haiti can be a complex process. By following the steps outlined in this guide and providing all the required documents, grandparents can increase their chances of successfully obtaining a visa to join their loved ones in the United States.