Family petitions — a lawful path to bringing your family together.
Family immigration usually begins with Form I-130 — the petition a U.S. citizen or permanent resident files for a spouse, a parent, or a child. We help with the petition, the documents, and the timing, in English or Spanish, with no interpreter between you and your attorney.
How the family-based path works
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130 for the qualifying family member. Once the petition is approved and a visa is available, the relative either adjusts status inside the United States on Form I-485 or completes consular processing at a U.S. embassy abroad.
Each path has its own requirements, risks, and timelines — and choosing the wrong one can cost months or more. We review your full situation before filing any form, and we tell you frankly what is possible and what is not.
Family-based Petitions questions
Who can I petition for with Form I-130?
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130 for qualifying family members — spouses, parents, and children are the most common. Which relatives qualify, and how long the wait runs, depends on your status and the relationship. We confirm the right category before anything is filed.
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
Both follow an approved I-130. Adjustment of status (Form I-485) happens inside the United States; consular processing happens at a U.S. embassy abroad. Which route fits — and which is safe — depends on how your relative entered and on their history, which is exactly what we review before filing.
How long does a family petition take?
It depends on the relationship, the petitioner's status, the USCIS service center, and current backlogs. We set realistic expectations at the first meeting and keep you informed at every step.