Family-Based Immigration Visas
Reunite with your loved ones in the United States. We provide the legal precision and human-centered support you need to navigate the family sponsorship process.
At IMMI.LAW, we know that family is everything. U.S. immigration law allows citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) to petition for certain family members to come and live permanently in the United States. However, the system is strictly categorized, and wait times and requirements vary heavily depending on your relationship to the petitioner.
Whether you are petitioning for a child, parent, or sibling, our team ensures your application is flawless, avoiding unnecessary delays so your family can be together faster.
Who Can You Sponsor? (The Visa Categories)
The U.S. government divides family-based visas into two main groups. Understanding which group your relative falls into is the critical first step, as it dictates how long the process will take.
1. Immediate Relative (IR) Visas
These visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. Citizen. The best part about IR visas is that there is no annual cap (no numerical limit) on the number of visas issued each year, meaning there is no waiting in line for a visa number to become available.
IR-2: Unmarried children under 21 years old of a U.S. Citizen.
IR-3 / IR-4: Orphans adopted abroad or to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. Citizen.
IR-5: Parents of a U.S. Citizen (the petitioning U.S. Citizen must be at least 21 years old). (Note: Spouses of U.S. citizens also fall under Immediate Relatives, but see our dedicated [Marriage-Based Immigration] page for those specific details).
2. Family Preference Visas
These visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. Citizen, as well as certain specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). There are strict numerical limits on these visas each year, meaning there can be significant waiting periods depending on the category and your home country.
First Preference (F1): Unmarried, adult sons and daughters (age 21 or over) of U.S. Citizens.
Second Preference (F2A): Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of Lawful Permanent Residents.
Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried adult sons and daughters (age 21 or over) of Lawful Permanent Residents.
Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens.
Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. Citizens.
The Step-by-Step Process with IMMI.LAW
We blend modern case management technology with expert legal strategy to make this multi-step process stress-free:
Step 1: Filing the Petition (Form I-130) We begin by thoroughly preparing and filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This proves the qualifying family relationship exists. You can securely upload all your birth certificates and proof of citizenship directly to your IMMI.LAW client portal.
Step 2: NVC Processing & The Visa Bulletin Once USCIS approves the petition, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). If your relative is in a "Family Preference" category, we monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin until their priority date becomes current. Once current, we handle the payment of NVC fees and submit all required civil and financial documents.
Step 3: The Affidavit of Support The U.S. petitioner must prove they can financially support the intending immigrant. We work with you to meticulously prepare Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), ensuring tax returns and income evidence meet government thresholds.
Step 4: Consular Interview or Adjustment of Status
If your relative is outside the U.S.: We prepare them for their visa interview at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
If your relative is already inside the U.S. on a valid visa: We may be able to file for an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) so they can get their Green Card without leaving the country.
Required Documents Checklist
While every case is unique, standard required documents include:
Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident status (Passport, Birth Certificate, or Green Card).
Proof of the family relationship (Birth certificates showing shared parents, adoption decrees, etc.).
Petitioner’s financial evidence (Most recent federal tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs).
Beneficiary’s valid passport and police clearance certificates (for consular processing).
Official Government Fees
These are direct fees paid to the U.S. Government and do not include IMMI.LAW’s legal representation fees. We believe in total financial transparency.
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $675 (if filed online) / $630 (paper filing)
Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status - if applicable): $1,440
NVC Immigrant Visa Application Fee (if processing abroad): $325
NVC Affidavit of Support Fee (if processing abroad): $120
Please verify all current fees directly on the Official USCIS Fee Schedule and the Department of State Fee Schedule.
Ready to Bring Your Family Home?
Don't let paperwork errors or missed deadlines delay your family's future. Schedule your initial consultation today to get a clear, actionable roadmap for your family’s immigration journey.