One of the most common ways to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States is through a family relationship. U.S. immigration law allows certain U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor qualifying family members for a green card.
At Green Immigration, we help families navigate the family-based immigration process with clarity and confidence. Whether you are seeking a green card for a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, we can help you understand your options and determine the most appropriate path forward.
While our office is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, we represent clients throughout the United States and around the world in family-based immigration matters.
Family-based immigration allows eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to petition for certain family members to become lawful permanent residents.
The process typically begins when a qualifying family member files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Depending on the circumstances, the beneficiary may be able to complete the green card process through:
- Adjustment of Status while remaining in the United States
- Consular Processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad
The appropriate process depends on factors such as the beneficiary's location, immigration history, visa availability, and eligibility under U.S. immigration law.
U.S. citizens may petition for:
Spouses
A U.S. citizen may petition for a husband or wife to obtain lawful permanent residence. Marriage-based green card cases often require extensive documentation demonstrating that the marriage is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
Parents - U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old may petition for their parents to become lawful permanent residents.
Children - U.S. citizens may petition for:
-Unmarried children under 21
-Unmarried adult children
-Married sons and daughters
Processing times vary depending on the category and visa availability.
Brothers and Sisters - U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old may petition for brothers and sisters. These cases are often subject to lengthy waiting periods due to annual visa limits.
Family-based immigration cases are not always straightforward. Issues that may affect eligibility include:
- Prior immigration violations
- Visa overstays
- Unlawful presence
- Criminal history
- Prior removal proceedings
- Public charge concerns
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- Questions regarding the legitimacy of a family relationship
Careful case preparation can help identify and address potential issues before filing.
Our firm assists clients with case preparation from start to finish:
- Family-based green card petitions
- Adjustment of Status applications
- Consular Processing cases
- Marriage-based green card applications
- Parent petitions
- Child and sibling petitions
- Responses to Requests for Evidence
- Interview preparation
We work closely with our clients to explain the process, identify potential challenges, and develop a strategy tailored to their circumstances.
Our goal is to make the process understandable and manageable. We focus on preparing cases thoroughly so that clients feel confident at each step, not rushed or uncertain.
If you are considering applying for a marriage-based green card, we can help you understand your options and next steps.
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