Family Green Cards
Understanding the Family Based Green Card Process
A Family Based Green Card allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency. At Immigration Universe Attorneys, we guide families through this process to ensure successful reunification and legal residency in the United States.
Who Qualifies for a Family Based Green Card
The Family Based Green Card is available for:
- Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens:
- Spouses
- Unmarried children under 21
- Parents (if the petitioner is at least 21 years old)
- Family Preference Categories:
- Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (over 21)
- Spouses and unmarried children of Green Card holders
- Siblings of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be 21 or older)
Steps to Obtain a Family Based Green Card
Filing the I-130 Petition
The U.S. citizen or permanent resident must submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the qualifying relationship.
Visa Processing and Priority Dates
If applying from outside the U.S., applicants must wait for visa availability in their category.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- If in the U.S., eligible applicants can file Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status.
- If outside the U.S., they must complete Consular Processing through the National Visa Center (NVC) and attend an interview at a U.S. consulate.
Final Green Card Issuance
Once all requirements are met, the applicant receives their Family Based Green Card and can live permanently in the U.S.
Common Challenges in the Family Based Green Card Process
The process can be complex due to:
- Long wait times, especially in family preference categories.
- Requests for additional evidence (RFE) delaying processing.
- Visa availability issues depending on annual quotas.
- Prior immigration history affecting eligibility.
Our attorneys at Immigration Universe ensure that applications are properly prepared to minimize delays and improve approval chances.
Why Choose Immigration Universe Attorneys?
- Experienced and Dedicated Legal Team: We focus exclusively on immigration law, ensuring the best strategies for each case.
- Personalized Legal Guidance: Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit the needs of each family.
- Bilingual Assistance: Our team provides legal services in English and Spanish, making sure our clients fully understand every step of the process.
- Clear and Transparent Communication: We keep clients informed at every stage and provide honest, realistic expectations.
- Proven Success Record: We have helped many families successfully obtain their Family Based Green Cards with thorough case preparation and legal representation.
Sibling Petitions
Fiancé Petitions
Start Your Family Based Green Card Application Today
Navigating the U.S. immigration process can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact Immigration Universe Attorneys to ensure a smooth application process.