Family-Based Immigration Visas

What Are Family-Based Immigration Visas?

Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to petition certain relatives to come live permanently in the United States.

There are two main categories:

1. Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas (No Annual Cap)

Available only to U.S. citizens sponsoring:

• Spouse (IR-1/CR-1)

• Unmarried child under 21 (IR-2)

• Orphan adopted abroad or in the U.S. (IR-3/IR-4)

• Parent (IR-5)

These visas are generally the fastest because they are not subject to visa number waiting times.

2. Family Preference Immigrant Visas (Subject to Annual Limits)

Available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, divided into categories:

• F1 – Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens

• F2A – Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents

• F2B – Unmarried adult children of permanent residents

• F3 – Married children of U.S. citizens

• F4 – Siblings of U.S. citizens

These categories often involve longer processing times due to annual visa limits.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?

The petitioner must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR)

• Be at least 21 years old to sponsor parents or siblings

• Plan to maintain U.S. domicile

• Prove sufficient financial ability through an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)

How the Family-Based Immigration Process Works

Step 1: File the Petition (Form I-130)

The process begins when the U.S. citizen or LPR files Form I-130 to establish a valid family relationship.
IMMI.LAW handles:

• Document preparation

• Proof of relationship

• Evidence review

• Filing with USCIS

Step 2: Petition Approval by USCIS

Once approved, USCIS forwards the case to the National Visa Center (NVC) for visa pre-processing.

For Immediate Relatives, this step moves quickly.
For Family Preference cases, you must wait for a visa number based on the Visa Bulletin.

Step 3: NVC Processing

During this stage, the applicant submits:

• Civil documents (birth, marriage certificates, police certificates)

• Affidavit of Support (I-864)

• DS-260 immigrant visa application

• Filing fees

Our team ensures all submissions meet NVC requirements to avoid delays.

Step 4: Consular Interview

If the relative is outside the U.S., they attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
If they are inside the U.S., they may apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) instead.

IMMI.LAW prepares clients for:

• Medical exam requirements

• Interview questions

• Possible requests for evidence (RFEs)

Step 5: Visa Issuance or Green Card Approval

Once approved:

• Consular applicants enter the U.S. as permanent residents

• Adjustment of Status applicants receive their green card by mail

Step 6: After Arrival

New residents receive:

• Green card

• Social Security number (if requested)

• Guidance on maintaining lawful permanent residence

Special Family-Based Categories

Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1)

For U.S. citizens engaged to a foreign partner. The couple must marry within 90 days of entry.

K-3/K-4 Visas

For spouses of U.S. citizens and their children to enter the U.S. while awaiting immigrant visa processing.

Removal of Conditions (Form I-751)

For spouses who received a two-year conditional green card through marriage.

Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status

We assess the best pathway depending on where the beneficiary lives and the petitioner’s status.

Processing Times

Processing varies based on:

• Relationship category

• USCIS workload

• Embassy/consulate timelines

• Country of origin

• Visa Bulletin availability

Immediate relatives generally experience shorter waits than family preference categories.

Why Work With IMMI.LAW

✔ U.S. immigration-only practice
✔ Extensive experience in complex family cases
✔ Clear communication and transparent pricing
✔ Strategic guidance to shorten processing times
✔ Thorough document preparation to avoid delays
✔ Support through USCIS, NVC, and consular stages
✔ Bilingual assistance available

Start Your Family-Based Immigration Case Today

Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, parent, child, or fiancé(e), IMMI.LAW provides the legal guidance needed to reunite your family in the United States.

Contact us today by following the steps below for a consultation and tailored immigration strategy.

How It Works

1.
Complete the Consultation Form Below

Provide the information asked in the form.

2.
Pay the Consultation Fee ($100 USD)

This non-refundable fee covers your scheduled session with the attorney.

3.
Book Your Appointment

Once your payment is confirmed, you will receive a link in your email to choose a time that works for you.

Consultation Form

Start your immigration journey by sharing key details about your situation. This form helps our expert prepare for your consultation and provide informed, personalized guidance.

Whether you're an individual, a family, or a business seeking U.S. immigration solutions, this is your first step toward clarity and legal strategy.

Please complete all required fields accurately. All information submitted is treated as confidential.

NOTE:
We do not handle asylum matters; you may book a consultation for information only, but we cannot process such cases.