Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

In a previous article, I had discussed various types of petitions and the family members who are (and are not) included under those petitions. Here are more petitions and who is included under them.

• Spouse: A spouse is allowed as a derivative beneficiary.

• Children: Children are allowed to be included as derivative beneficiaries.

• Spouse: A spouse is allowed to be included as a derivative beneficiary.

• Children: Children are allowed to be included as derivative beneficiaries.

• Spouse: A spouse is allowed to be included as a derivative beneficiary.

• Children: Children are allowed to be included as derivative beneficiaries.

A person’s marital status and the existence of children are important not only at the time the petition is filed, but are also important at the time a person is applying for his or her visa at the embassy or is adjusting status in the US. If, after the time that the petition was filed, you got married, your marriage was terminated (through annulment, death, divorce etc.), or you had children, you should make sure to determine how the marriage, or its termination, affects your petition, and whether or not these family members are, or can be, included with the petition. In some cases, beneficiaries hide, or do not declare, the existence of these "after-acquired" family members when being processed for their visa, by continuing to claim that they are "single and childless." However, there are petition categories in which the existence of these family members would not affect the person’s eligibility for a visa, and could even result in these family members being eligible to be processed for a visa with the primary beneficiary under the same petition.

If there have been any changes in circumstances in regards to your marital status or existence of children, you may wish to seek the advice of a reputable attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and perhaps assist you in including these new family members to your petition.

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Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein (including testimonials, "Success Stories," endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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