Family Based Immigration Lawyer Services Overview
Our family immigration lawyers can help with navigate the options to obtain a green card based on a family-based green card petition filed by a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident relative. This page will provide a basic overview of these options, and links to a more detailed overview of these various options. There is a main category for immediate relatives of US Citizens (spouses, parents and children), and then there are five “preference categories” where the wait time is longer, a fiancée visa category, and cancellation of removal which can lead to obtaining a green card.
Click on any of the following topics for a more detailed overview and to find additional articles, resources, case studies and more.
What can our Family Based Immigration Attorneys Help With?
The following chart shows the various paths to a green card through family sponsorship, from marriage-based immigration or a sibling-based petition to anything in between that our family immigration lawyers can assist you with.
| Family Immigration Case Type (click on highlighted text) | Description |
|---|---|
| Immediate Relative Petitions | This is the fastest route to obtaining a green card through a relative. If the beneficiary is the spouse, parent, or child (under the age of 21) of a US Citizen, then the citizen relative has the right to file a petition to grand the beneficiary a green card. The whole process generally is complete within less than a year, whether the beneficiary is located outside the US or in the US at the time the petition is filed. |
| Preference Category Petitions | There are five preference categories, which are (i) F1, unmarried sons and daughters of US Citizens over age 21, (ii) F2A, spouses and children of US permanent residents, (iii) F2B, unmarried sons and daughters of US Permanent Residents over age 21, (iv) F3, Married sons and daughters of US Citizens over age 21, and (v) brothers/sisters of US Citizens. The petitioner has to be over 21 in these cases. The beneficiary can not actually apply for a green card until the petition becomes “current” and one must refer to the visa bulletin to see what the priority dates are for each of these categories, which gets revised on a monthly basis. |
| K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Petitions | A US Citizen may file a petition for a fiance(e) visa for his or her fiance(e) who resides outside the United States. Once the fiance(e) enters the US, they have 90 days to get married, and apply for adjustment of status as an immediate relative spouse. There is a rule that the couple must have physically met within the past two years prior to the date the fiance(e) visa petition is filed (with a very limited exception). |
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Family-Based Immigration?
To initiate the sponsorship process for your family member, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the necessary requirements, as guided by a family immigration lawyer from the American Visa Law Group:
- Citizenship or Permanent Residency: As the sponsor, you must hold either U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
- Valid Family Relationship: Demonstrating a bona fide familial relationship with the prospective immigrant is a fundamental requirement.
- Age Considerations: For sponsoring a spouse or child, you must be at least 18 years old, whereas sponsorship for a parent or sibling necessitates a minimum age of 21.
- Financial Responsibilities: Meeting specific financial prerequisites is essential. This includes the capacity to financially support your sponsored family member or finding a joint sponsor to meet this obligation.
Additionally, the individual you’re sponsoring must meet eligibility criteria for obtaining a green card or other legal immigration status. This entails passing background checks and fulfilling all pertinent U.S. immigration requirements.
For comprehensive assistance regarding eligibility for family-based immigration and lawful permanent residency, contact our adept family immigration lawyers at American Visa Law Group today.
Why Choose an American Visa Law Group Family Immigration Lawyer?
The realm of immigration law is intricate and often overwhelming. Constant changes and complexities make it challenging to navigate without expert guidance. Family-based immigration, in particular, entails intricate rules and regulations, with stringent requirements and deadlines. A single error in the immigration procedure could lead to substantial delays or outright rejection of your application.
This is precisely where an American Visa Law Group family immigration lawyer proves invaluable. With our wealth of knowledge and experience, we guarantee meticulous handling of your case, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer?
The costs vary widely to hire a family immigration lawyer, depending on the case type. The following was derived from our attorney fee /schedule:
| K-1 Overseas Fiancé(e) | $1500 (or $2050 to add NVC assistance); $1300 for I-485 ($50 to add EAD and/or AP) and $100 per dependent. |
| Family (Spouse, Child, Parent or Sibling) Sponsorship I-130 Petition |
$1775 spouse, $1400 all other ($1050 for additional relatives from the same family) |
| Family Sponsorship I-130/I-485/I-864* | $3000 spouse***, $2650 all other ($4900 for two parents, $5000 for spouse and stepchild, and $2225 for additional independent applicant), and $50 for EAD and/or AP per person. |
| Family Sponsorship I-130/NVC | $3000 for spouse***, $2750 for other petitions ($4900 two parents) |
| Adjustment of Status | $1300 or $1550 w/I-864, or I-485 supplement J, or U-visa-based, or $1925 if based on K-1 where we did not handle the K-1 ($50 EAD and/or AP, $1050 each addt’l dependent)* |