Family-Based Immigration Attorneys in Houston, TX

• Spouse
• Child
• Parent
• Sibling

If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can only sponsor your spouse and/or your unmarried children. Further, family-based immigration is limited each fiscal year for family members of lawful permanent residents, as well as more distant family relationships for U.S. citizens.

For U.S. citizens, visas for immediate relatives (spouses, minor children, and parents) are not limited each fiscal year.

If you want to determine whether you can sponsor a relative or be sponsored by a family member, please discuss your case with our family-based immigration lawyers in Houston, TX today.

Family “Preference Immigrant” Categories

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may always apply for a green card. Other family members of both citizens and lawful permanent residents are prioritized using the following categories:

• F1 (first preference) immigrants are unmarried children 21 years of age and older of U.S. citizens
• F2A (second preference) immigrants are the spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents
• F3 (third preference) immigrants are married children of U.S. citizens
• F4 (fourth preference) immigrants are siblings of U.S. citizens (to sponsor your sibling, you must be at least 21 years of age)

If you or a member of your family is in the U.S. military, the immigration process may work differently. Similarly, intercountry adoptions and visas for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens are different processes with different applications.

Part of successful family-based immigration in Houston and beyond is choosing the right visa for your situation. Then, it all depends on filling out the paperwork correctly and filing it on time.

How to Apply for Family-Based Immigration

Assuming you have a standard family-based immigration case, your family will complete and file Form I-130. This form must be filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident who already resides in the United States. If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves this request, the immigrating family member will be able to apply for a green card with a priority date.

Because there is a yearly quota for family “preference immigrants,” you may not receive a priority date within the same year you apply. This especially true for third and fourth preference immigrants, who typically wind up on large waiting lists.

If there is a way to expedite this process for your family, Gambacorta Law will find it. No matter what, we will help you build a strong case and complete your application so USCIS can process it as efficiently as possible.

Get Started Today

The sooner you sponsor a family member or get sponsored, the sooner your family will be together. Gambacorta Law has been handling family-based immigration cases for Houston families since 2007, and we are ready to help you, too. Our attorneys have been through the immigration process ourselves, so we know what you are going throw and how to make the most of your immigration case – no matter how complex.

If you’re ready to reunite your family, call us at (847) 443-9303 or contact us online to get started today.