Family Petitions
Family-Based Petitions: Keeping Families Together in the United States
At IBP Immigration Law, we understand the importance of family. Family-based green cards provide a pathway for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones in the United States. Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, our team is here to make the process seamless and stress-free.
A family-based green card allows eligible relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to receive an immigrant visa and permanent residency in the United States.
There are two main categories:
- Immediate Relatives: Spouses, unmarried children under 21 (include step-children), and parents of U.S. citizens (include step-parents).
- Family Preference Categories: Other family members, such as siblings or married children of U.S. citizens, as well as spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents.
Learn more about adjustment of status if your relative is already in the U.S. or consular processing if they are applying from abroad.
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be at least 21 years old)
Family Preference Categories
- F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and older) of U.S. citizens
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents
- F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and older) of lawful permanent residents
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be at least 21 years old)
For applicants in the family preference categories, the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin determines visa availability.
- Priority Date: The date the Form I-130 petition was filed determines the applicant’s place in line.
- Current Status: If the priority date is earlier than the date listed in the Visa Bulletin, the applicant can proceed with the next steps.
- Retrogression: Some categories experience delays due to high demand, which can affect processing times.
- Reunite Families – Live together permanently in the United States.
- Work Authorization – Green card holders can work legally in the U.S.
- Path to Citizenship – Apply for naturalization after meeting residency requirements.
- Access to Benefits – Obtain healthcare, education, and other benefits available to permanent residents.
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents file Form I-130 to establish the qualifying relationship.
- Wait for Visa Availability
- Immediate relatives do not have to wait for visa availability.
- Family preference categories must wait for a visa number to become available based on the Visa Bulletin.
- Choose a Processing Pathway
- If the beneficiary is in the U.S., apply for adjustment of status.
- If the beneficiary is abroad, proceed through consular processing.
- Attend an Interview
- USCIS or a U.S. consulate will verify eligibility and the validity of the family relationship.
- Receive the Green Card
- Upon approval, the beneficiary becomes a lawful permanent resident.
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: Starts at $625
- Adjustment of Status Fee: $1,440
- Consular Processing Fees:
- $325 (Visa Application Fee)
- $120 (Affidavit of Support Fee)
- Medical Exam Fee: Varies by country and physician
How IBP Immigration Law Can Help
Navigating the family-based petition and green card process can be overwhelming, but IBP Immigration Law is here to help:
- Expert Guidance – Attorney Ingrid Perez leads the legal team, personally overseeing each case to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Customized Strategies – Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to your specific situation.
- Comprehensive Support – Assistance with petitions, documentation, and interview preparation.
- Clear Communication – Regular updates and prompt responses to your questions.
Ready to Reunite with Your Family?
Bringing your loved ones to the U.S. is an important step. Let IBP Immigration Law handle the process with expertise and care.
- Schedule a Consultation – Speak with our team about your case
- Explore More Resources – Read our blogs and watch our videos
- Start Your Application – Send us your case for a direct call
IBP Immigration Law is committed to keeping families together and ensuring a smooth path to permanent residency.