Phoenix Family Immigration Attorneys
Holistic Family Visa Representation in Phoenix, AZ
Many immigrants hope to reunify their families in the United States. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may sponsor eligible loved ones for green cards.
At Federal Immigration Counselors, P.C., we guide clients through each stage of the family sponsorship process. Our family immigration lawyers have over 35 years of experience and understand how United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates these requests. A family-based immigrant visa case can involve a petition, visa-number availability, adjustment of status, or consular processing depending on the petitioner’s status, the qualifying relationship, and the beneficiary’s location. We take a holistic approach to identify available legal options and obstacles that could affect the case.
Call (602) 600-0504 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. We also have offices in San Diego and serve clients in the surrounding counties.
Who Is Eligible for Family Immigration?
Only certain relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may qualify for green cards through family sponsorship. Eligible family members are divided into two categories.
“Immediate relative” categories include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children of U.S. citizens (under the age of 21)
- Parents of U.S. citizens
Immediate-relative immigrant visas are not subject to the same annual numerical limits that apply to family-preference categories, which means approved petitions can generally move forward without waiting for a visa number to become available.
“Family preference” categories include:
- Unmarried children of U.S. citizens (21 and over)
- Spouses of lawful permanent residents
- Unmarried children of lawful permanent residents (any age)
- Married children of U.S. citizens (any age)
- Siblings of U.S. citizens
The Family Immigration Process
U.S. citizens can sponsor more types of relatives, while lawful permanent residents are limited to sponsoring their spouses and children. Grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, aunts, and uncles don’t qualify for family immigration. The process begins by establishing an eligible “immediate relative” or “family preference” relationship. As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you’ll need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS to establish that relationship.
Processing times vary by category, agency workload, and case-specific issues. An accurate, complete petition can reduce avoidable delays. Our Phoenix family visa attorneys can prepare your petition and identify common mistakes before filing.
Family-preference immigrant visas are subject to annual numerical limits. Family members sponsored under these categories must wait until a visa number becomes available before moving to the next step. The length of the wait depends on the applicable priority date, the sponsored family member’s country of chargeability, and the specific preference category. Our team can review your circumstances and explain the factors affecting timing. We can also evaluate whether another immigration strategy may be available.
Once the sponsorship petition is approved and a visa is available, the sponsored family member can pursue adjustment of status if eligible and already in the United States, or initiate consular processing through the National Visa Center if abroad. Upon approval through either path, the sponsored family member becomes a lawful permanent resident and can live and work permanently anywhere in the United States.
Removing Conditions from Marriage-Based Green Cards
If you successfully sponsored your spouse for a green card and had been married for fewer than two years at the time of approval, they’ll receive conditional permanent resident status. This conditional status is valid for two years, and you’ll need to take action to “remove conditions” before it expires.
In the 90-day window before conditional residence expires, you and your spouse will generally need to file Form I-751 with USCIS. You’ll need to provide evidence of your ongoing relationship. If USCIS approves the petition, it removes the conditions and issues a 10-year green card. USCIS may require an interview depending on the case and current agency procedures.
These situations can become more difficult if a conditional resident divorces their spouse before conditions are removed, but it may still be possible to obtain permanent resident status. The evidence and filing requirements can differ when the marriage has ended or other changed circumstances apply. Our family visa lawyers can assess the applicable filing requirements and evidence when divorce or other changes complicate the case.
Our Phoenix family visa lawyers assess the full case, from the initial petition and green card process to removal of conditions. Call (602) 600-0504 or contact us online to discuss your next step. Flexible payment plans are available, and we offer legal services in English, Spanish , Punjabi and Urdu.
