EN 
ES 
Family Immigration Lawyer in Utah
Family-Based Green Cards with Attorney Linh Tran-Layton
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 South Jordan, Utah, we represent clients throughout the United States and around the world in family-based immigration matters.
What Is Family-Based Immigration?
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.
Family Members U.S. Citizens May Sponsor
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.
Married to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder? Our marriage green card page walks through the spouse process step by step.
Family Members Lawful Permanent Residents May Sponsor
-Spouses
-Unmarried children under 21
-Unmarried adult sons and daughters
Unlike immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, these categories are subject to annual visa quotas and waiting periods.
Immediate Relatives vs. Family Preference Categories
Immediate relatives include:
-Spouses of U.S. citizens
-Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
-Parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old
These categories are not subject to annual visa limits, which often results in shorter processing times.
Family Preference Categories
Other family relationships fall within preference categories that are subject to annual visa availability. Processing times can vary significantly depending on the category and the beneficiary's country of birth.
Petitioning for Parents: What About Younger Siblings?
In this video, Linh explains what happens to a younger brother or sister when a U.S. citizen petitions for their parents.
Common Family-Based Immigration Challenges
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.
How Green Immigration Can Help
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.
Other Steps in a Family Case
A family green card case often connects to other parts of the process. These pages and guides cover them:
- Marriage green cards
- Adjustment of status
- Immigration waivers
- VAWA and U visa green cards, if a family member has abused you
- U.S. citizenship
- Your obligations as an I-864 financial sponsor
A Clear and Practical Approach
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.
We work with families across the Salt Lake Valley, including West Valley City and Kearns. Meet with Linh in person in South Jordan, by phone or on Zoom.
Work With Us
Whether you are sponsoring a family member for a green card or you are the relative being sponsored, we can help you understand your options and next steps.
