Family-Based Immigration Lawyers
We guide citizens and permanent residents through the complex process of obtaining green cards for family members. Our family-based immigration lawyers help you find the fastest and most cost-efficient solution.
Contact American Immigration Law Group
314-416-8000
Which Green Card Is Right for Your Family Member?
We understand your desire to reunite with your family in the U.S. A family immigration lawyer helps you seek authorization for spouses, minor children, and parents.
Our family-based immigration lawyers help ensure that you and your loved ones have everything necessary to become legal residents.
Green Cards or Permanent Resident Cards
A green card allows your family members to live and work permanently in the U.S.
Naturalized citizens or permanent residents may sponsor family members. These family members include:
- Immediate Relatives: Spouses, children under the age of 21, or parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older
- Adult Children: Married or unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- Siblings: Brothers and sisters, married or unmarried, of U.S. citizens
- Spouses/Unmarried Children: Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents
Forms to Apply for a Green Card
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers all legal immigration processes. The USCIS system involves official forms and documents that must be properly completed before applications are considered. Our family immigration lawyers help ensure that you use the correct forms, including:
- I-130/Petition for Relative: For U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents establishing a relationship with an eligible family member.
- I-730/Refugee or Asylee Relative Petition: For individuals granted refugee or asylum status in the U.S. and wish to bring their spouses, unmarried children under age 21, or both.
- I-360/ Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant: For several groups of individuals seeking permanent residency in the U.S., including victims of domestic violence.
- I-129F/Petition for Fiancé(e): For U.S. citizens who want to bring their intended bride or groom for imminent marriage.
- I-485/Adjustment of Status: Individuals living in the U.S. on a temporary visa and want to apply for permanent residency.
- K-3/Spouse Nonimmigrant Visa: For nonimmigrant spouses of U.S. citizens who may later petition for permanent residency.
- V-Visa/Nonimmigrant Visa: Visa for family members to remain in the U.S. while waiting for their immigrant visa or green card to be processed.
Lawful Solutions for Bringing & Keeping Families Together
A family-based immigration lawyer protects you from avoidable delays due to incomplete forms and other processing mistakes. We know that your priority is bringing your family members to America or petitioning for them to remain. Let us remove potential barriers or help you understand what to expect as you seek to unify your family.
Proper Documentation to File an I-130
As a sponsoring citizen or permanent resident, you must prove that you can file an I-130. You must also provide evidence that you have a valid relationship with the family member who wants to join you in the U.S.
Affidavit of Support
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident must file form I-864 or Affidavit of Support. You agree to use your income and financial resources to sponsor your family member.
This affidavit is a legally enforceable contract. It lasts until the other family member becomes a U.S. citizen or completes 40 quarters of employment (about ten years).
Minimum Income Requirements
Sponsors have minimum income requirements. You must show that your household income is equal to or five times higher than the U.S. poverty level for your household size. The required minimum income for sponsors who are active members of the U.S. Armed Forces is four times higher than the poverty level for your household size.
Mandatory Medical Examinations
All petitioned family members, including fiancés, must have a physical and mental medical examination before coming to the U.S.
Individuals seeking permanent resident status must also undergo a physical and psychological evaluation.
Change of Address
Citizens or permanent residents seeking to sponsor family members must notify the USCIS within ten days if they move or change their mailing address. The post office will not forward mail related to immigration applications and documents.
USCIS Immigrant Fee
Most individuals immigrating to the U.S. for a green card must pay a $220 processing fee. You do not have to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee before you physically enter the U.S., but doing so may speed up processing.
You will not receive your green card until you (or someone else) pay the fee. People who can pay for you include friends, family members, employers, or an approved representative.
Exemptions for USCIS Immigrant Fee
The following people who do not have to pay the fee include:
- Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants
- Children entering under the orphan or Hague adoption programs
- K nonimmigrants
- Returning lawful permanent residents
Green Card Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on where you live and which family-based immigration petition or visa you used. It can take from 90 days to many years. The USCIS website lets you check processing times based on the form and office location.
Let Us Bring Your Family Together
Many of our family immigration lawyers are immigrants. We understand the anticipation and frustration of navigating the U.S. immigration system.
Let our multi-lingual staff help you and your loved ones reunite. We focus on immigration law, and our deep understanding and personal compassion combine for a positive experience and outcome.
Contact American Immigration Law Group Today
314-416-8000