Family-Based Immigration
Family petitions look simple on the forms and are not. Which category you fall into decides whether you wait months or years; the affidavit of support creates a real legal obligation; and a prior overstay, a previous petition or a trip abroad at the wrong time can change the whole plan. We handle spouse, parent and child cases for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, including couples living in different countries.
What we work on
Category and timing
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21—have no annual quota. Everyone else waits for a priority date. We tell you which line you are in and what that means before anything is filed.
The relationship record
For marriage cases, evidence that the marriage is genuine: shared finances, residence, photographs, travel, and a consistent story between the two of you. For parent and child cases, civil documents and, where needed, DNA testing or secondary evidence.
Sponsor obligations
The I-864 affidavit of support is enforceable. We explain what the sponsor is promising, whether a joint sponsor is needed, and how income, assets and household size are counted.
Adjustment or consular processing
If the relative is in the United States, adjustment of status may be available; if abroad, the case goes through the National Visa Center and a consulate. Inadmissibility issues, unlawful presence and prior filings decide which route is safer.
How the case moves forward
Understand
Review the family facts, status history and eligibility.
Prepare
Assemble the I-130, civil records, relationship evidence and the affidavit of support.
Follow through
File, prepare you for the interview, and handle requests and approvals through to the green card.
Four elements of our approach; specific service terms are set out in the engagement agreement.
We find the strengths, not just file the materials
We do not write from the folder you send us. We go through your record, ask questions and look for evidence you did not know counted.
Guidance on strengthening your record
Where the record is not yet ready and the plan is realistic, we may advise some clients, at no charge, on how to build it legitimately before filing.
Approve-or-refile option
For eligible clients whose signed engagement agreement includes this option, we will prepare and refile a denied petition without an additional attorney fee, subject to the agreed scope and conditions. Government filing fees and third-party costs are not included unless expressly agreed.
RFE responses included
For full-representation petitions, an RFE response is included when specified in the engagement agreement; stand-alone review services are separate.
Questions we hear often
Practical answers to frequently asked questions. Individual circumstances can affect the best course of action.