Families belong together. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident seeking to bring loved ones to the United States, or a family member abroad waiting to join relatives here, the immigration process can feel overwhelming and slow-moving.
This service is for you if:
- You want to petition for your spouse, children, parents, or siblings to immigrate to the U.S.
- You’re a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen seeking a K-1 visa
- You want to adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident based on family relationships
- You’re navigating the process of removing conditions on a conditional green card
- You’re dealing with complex family situations such as prior immigration violations, previous marriages, or aging-out children
Understanding the Process
1. Determining Eligibility I will review your family relationship, immigration status, and any factors that might affect your case. Different family relationships have different wait times and requirements, and I’ll give you a realistic picture of what to expect.
2. Preparing & Filing Petitions I will prepare Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and any additional required forms, gather evidence of your relationship and ensure every document meets U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards. Attention to detail at this stage prevents delays later.
3. Processing & Documentation Once your petition is approved, I will guide you through the next steps—whether that’s adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad. I will help you compile financial documents, police certificates, medical exams, and other required evidence.
4. Interviews & Approval I will prepare you thoroughly for any required interviews, accompany you when practicable, and advocate on your behalf throughout the process until your family member receives their green card.
Why Thorough Preparation Matters
Family immigration cases hinge on documentation—proving genuine relationships, meeting financial support requirements, and demonstrating admissibility. After more than 30 years working with complex regulatory frameworks, I understand that seemingly small details can determine whether a case moves smoothly or encounters obstacles.
USCIS scrutinizes family-based applications carefully, particularly marriage-based cases. Having an attorney who knows how to anticipate questions, organize evidence systematically, and respond to Requests for Evidence can reduce stress and improve outcomes.
Immigration law also changes frequently. Having knowledgeable guidance means you’ll benefit from current understanding of requirements, processing times, and strategies that work.
Practical Information
Typical Timeline: Immediate relative cases (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens) typically take 12-24 months. Other family preference categories can take several years to many years depending on country of origin and relationship category.
Key Documents Typically Needed:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (birth certificate, passport, green card)
- Marriage certificates and birth certificates to establish relationships
- Proof of termination of prior marriages (divorce decrees, death certificates)
- Evidence of a genuine relationship (photos, correspondence, joint accounts)
- Financial documents (tax returns, employment letters, bank statements)
- Police certificates and medical examination results
Legal Fees: Fees depend on the complexity of your case and number of family members involved. I’ll discuss costs transparently during your consultation.
Ready to discuss your case? Schedule a free consultation to review your situation and explore your options. Call (646) 645-1827 or complete my contact form.