Bryant, FL Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

The F-4 category for siblings of US citizens is presently available only to those filed I-1130 petitions before 9/22/06 (final action date) except for further backlogged countries India, Mexico, and the Philippines. Because there is no visa availability, an I-485 cannot be filed. The US does not allow individuals to file I-485 applications and then wait until the priority date is current. Sorry. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

Hello,   You do not say how long you overstayed in the U.S before you left the country and triggered the unlawful presence bar. The unlawful presence bar requires you to stay outside of the U.S. for 3 years, if your overstay in the U.S. was from 180 days to one year, and up to 10 years if your overstay was more than one year, and you left the U.S. and tried to obtain a green card. You would only make your case more difficult if you tried to renter the country illegally, even if you married an American citizen. Depending on your immigration and criminal history you may be able to file for an unlawful presence waiver and it would be advisable for you to discuss your case details and future plans with an experienced immigration lawyer in your local city before you make any decisions. If you are granted this waiver, you would be able to return to the U.S. to join your spouse without  having to remain abroad for the three or ten years time frame. Good luck.   This information is of a general nature and is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Please consult your immigration attorney with your specific case details for legal advice for your situation.

You question does not provide enough information upon which we can provide you with an answer. My suggestion would be to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable, competent and licensed attorney who can listen to your questions, who can provide you with explanations and who can provide some guidance to steer you in the right direction.