Immigration Law
Family-Based Petitions
Family-Based Petitions
Family-based immigration allows foreign nationals to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) through sponsorship by certain family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) aged 21 or older. This process is a cornerstone of the U.S. immigration system, helping families reunite and build their lives together in the United States.
There are two primary categories of family-based immigrant visas:
- Immediate Relative (IR) Visas – Available to the closest family members of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents. These visas are not subject to annual numerical limits, meaning they are generally processed faster than other categories.
- Family Preference (F) Visas – For more extended family relationships of U.S. citizens and certain relatives of lawful permanent residents. These visas are subject to annual caps, which can result in longer waiting periods depending on the applicant’s country of origin and visa category.
Eligibility Overview:
- U.S. citizens can petition for their spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
- Lawful permanent residents can petition for their spouses and unmarried children.
At Pardalis & Nohavicka, our immigration attorneys guide clients through every stage of the family-based petition process—from preparing accurate documentation to communicating effectively with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—to help ensure a smooth and timely approval. We understand how important it is to bring families together, and we work tirelessly to help you achieve that goal.
For trusted legal assistance with family-based immigration petitions, contact Pardalis & Nohavicka at contact@pnlawyers.com or call to schedule a consultation.
