Family-Based Immigration

Reuniting Families, Strengthening Futures

Family is at the heart of every immigration story. The U.S. immigration system offers pathways for individuals to reunite with their loved ones and build a future together. Family-based immigration is one of the most common methods for obtaining permanent residency, allowing U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor eligible family members.

At our firm, we understand that the immigration process can feel overwhelming. We are dedicated to helping families navigate the system and achieve their dreams of being together.

How Family-Based Immigration Works

Family-based immigration allows qualifying family members to apply for visas or green cards based on their relationship to a U.S. citizen or LPR. The process involves two main categories of family relationships:

Immediate Relatives:

Spouses of U.S. citizens.

Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.

Parents of U.S. citizens (if the sponsor is at least 21 years old).

Immediate relatives are not subject to annual visa caps, making their process faster than other categories.

Family Preference Categories:

These are for more distant relatives and include:

Unmarried adult children (over 21) of U.S. citizens.

Spouses and unmarried children of LPRs.

Married children of U.S. citizens.

Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the sponsor is at least 21 years old).

Family preference visas have numerical limits, leading to longer wait times depending on the applicant’s category and country of origin.

Steps in the Family-Based Immigration Process

Filing a Petition: The U.S. citizen or LPR must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the qualifying relationship.

Approval of the Petition: Once the petition is approved, the relative either:

Adjusts status (if already in the U.S.) by filing Form I-485, or
Completes consular processing through the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

Meeting Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate they are admissible to the U.S., which involves background checks and meeting financial sponsorship criteria.

Receiving a Visa or Green Card: After completing the necessary steps, the family member receives their visa or green card, granting them lawful permanent residency.

Challenges in Family-Based Immigration

While the process may seem straightforward, it is often complicated by:

Long wait times for family preference categories.

Complex eligibility requirements.

Potential denials due to inadmissibility issues, such as prior immigration violations

The stakes are high, as any mistake can lead to delays or denials. This is where the expertise of an experienced immigration attorney becomes invaluable.

How Our Firm Can Help

At our firm, we know that family connections are priceless. We offer comprehensive services to guide you through every step of the family-based immigration process. Our personalized approach ensures that your unique situation is addressed, and we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.

We assist with:

Preparing and submitting petitions with precision.

Advising on the fastest pathways for family reunification.

Resolving complex issues like inadmissibility waivers.

Navigating visa interviews and documentation requirements.

Why Choose Us?

Our firm combines in-depth legal knowledge with a compassionate understanding of the emotional importance of reuniting families. With our boutique, service-oriented approach, we provide clarity, support, and advocacy to help you achieve your immigration goals.

Take the First Step Toward Reuniting Your Family

Don’t let the complexities of the immigration system stand in the way of your loved ones. Trust Mohammad Zohdi Shair to guide you through the process with care and expertise. Contact us today to begin your journey toward family reunification.