Family-based immigration lets U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor qualifying relatives for lawful permanent residence in the United States. At D’Alessio Law, we represent individuals and families seeking green cards and fiancé(e) visas. If your goal is to reunite with a spouse, child, parent, or other qualifying relative, we will help you understand your options, prepare a strong case, and avoid delays that can keep families apart. Our team serves clients throughout California and across the country, as well as those abroad pursuing family-based immigration to the United States.
Why Choose D’Alessio Law for Family Immigration Matters
Choosing the right legal team matters when your family’s future is involved. We focus on clear guidance, careful preparation, and responsive communication at every stage.
- Representation for a full range of family-based immigration cases
- Clear explanations of eligibility, timelines, and next steps
- Local insight into USCIS and consular filings affecting families in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills
- Experience working with sponsors and beneficiaries inside and outside the U.S.
- California-based practice with a strong understanding of local filing trends
How Family-Based Immigration Works
Family immigration is built around a qualifying relationship between a sponsor and a beneficiary. A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files a petition to establish that relationship. If approved, the beneficiary may apply for a green card through adjustment of status in the United States or consular processing abroad. Visa availability, wait times, and procedures depend on the category that applies to your family member. Eligibility, timing, and processing steps can vary based on immigration history, prior entries, and the sponsor’s status.
What Is a Family-Based Green Card?
A family-based green card grants lawful permanent resident status to eligible relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. These cases fall into two main groups: immediate relatives and family preference categories. The category affects whether visas are capped each year and how long your family member may wait before moving forward.
Immediate Relative Visas Explained
Immediate relative visas are reserved for the closest relatives of U.S. citizens and are not subject to annual numerical limits. Because visas are always available, these cases often move faster than preference categories.
Common immediate relative classifications include:
- Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- Unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen
- Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21
These categories are not subject to annual visa caps.
Family Preference Visa Categories
Family preference visas apply to certain relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. These categories are subject to annual limits, which can result in lengthy backlogs depending on demand and country of chargeability.
Preference categories include:
- Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
- Spouses and unmarried children of green card holders
- Married children of U.S. citizens
- Siblings of U.S. citizens
We help families in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles understand priority dates, visa bulletin movement, and realistic timelines before moving forward.
Steps in the Family Immigration Process
While each case has its own details, most family-based green card cases follow a similar sequence:
- The beneficiary completes the required forms and a medical exam.
- The sponsor files Form I-130 to establish the qualifying relationship.
- USCIS reviews the petition, conducts an Interview with both spouses if they are in the U.S., and issues a decision. If approved, the case moves to adjustment of status or the National Visa Center processes the Green card abroad in the U.S. Consulate, where an interview is scheduled, followed by a final decision.
We stay involved at every stage to address requests for evidence, interview preparation, and follow-up filings.
Fiancé(e) Visas for Couples Planning to Marry
A K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States to marry. The marriage must take place within 90 days of entry, after which the foreign spouse may apply for a green card.
K-1 eligibility generally requires that:
- Both partners are legally free to marry
- The couple has met in person within the past two years, with limited exceptions
- The intent is to marry in the United States
Children of the fiancé(e) may qualify for K-2 visas.
Helping Families Build Secure Futures Through Immigration
Family immigration often involves cross-border logistics, strict deadlines, and detailed documentation. We work closely with sponsors and beneficiaries to keep cases moving forward and to reduce uncertainty throughout the process.
If you are seeking to reunite with family members or secure lawful status through a family-based petition, we are here to help. Contact D’Alessio Law to discuss your options and next steps.
Family Immigration FAQs
Can a green card holder sponsor a spouse who is already in the U.S.?
Yes. In many cases, a spouse may apply for adjustment of status if they meet eligibility rules, including lawful entry and admissibility requirements.
Do children lose eligibility when they turn 21?
Some protections may apply, but age can affect eligibility. Timing matters, so early planning helps.
Is consular processing required for all family visas?
No. Some applicants may complete the process in the United States, while others must attend an interview at a U.S. consulate abroad.
Does filing Form I-130 give immigration status?
No. The petition establishes the relationship but does not provide lawful status by itself.