Family Immigration & Citizenship
Reunifying families across borders through spouse, parent, child, and sibling sponsorship, along with naturalization for those seeking U.S. citizenship.
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor qualifying relatives for immigrant visas. This category includes immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) who face no annual quota, as well as family preference categories for other relationships. Our firm also handles naturalization applications, citizenship through parents, and complex matters involving prior immigration issues.
Immediate Relatives
12-24 months total
F1 (unmarried adult children)
Years (varies by country)
F2A (spouses/children of LPRs)
2-5 years
F3 (married children of citizens)
Years (varies)
F4 (siblings of citizens)
15-25 years
Eligibility Requirements
U.S. citizens may sponsor: spouses, parents, children (married and unmarried), and siblings
Permanent residents may sponsor: spouses and unmarried children
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have no wait times; preference categories may have multi-year backlogs
Beneficiaries must be admissible (or qualify for waivers) and maintain the qualifying relationship
Naturalization requires permanent residency, continuous presence, and good moral character
How We Work Together
Relationship Assessment
Determination of the correct category, current wait times, and documentation requirements for your family relationship.
I-130 Petition Preparation
Compilation of evidence establishing the bona fide family relationship—birth certificates, marriage records, photographs, communications.
USCIS Adjudication
Filing and monitoring of the family petition through the approval process.
Visa Availability
For preference categories, monitoring the visa bulletin until a visa number becomes current.
Consular Processing or Adjustment
Immigrant visa interview abroad or adjustment of status within the U.S. if eligible.
Naturalization (if applicable)
N-400 application, interview, and oath ceremony for those seeking U.S. citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between immediate relatives and preference categories?+
Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21 of U.S. citizen) have unlimited visas available. Preference categories have annual quotas that can create multi-year waiting periods.
Can I sponsor my fiancé(e)?+
Yes. The K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows U.S. citizens to bring their fiancé(e) to the U.S. for marriage within 90 days of entry.
What if the beneficiary is currently in the U.S. unlawfully?+
Unlawful presence may trigger bars to reentry. However, certain waivers and exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. We evaluate each situation carefully.
How long does naturalization take?+
Generally 5 years of permanent residency (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), plus processing time of approximately 8-18 months depending on location.
Can children acquire citizenship through parents?+
Children may derive citizenship automatically when parents naturalize or, in some cases, be entitled to citizenship at birth through U.S. citizen parents abroad.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.