Austin Family Petition Immigration Lawyer

Helping Immigrants Petition for Family Immigration

Family petitions through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allows family to petition for relatives to immigrate to the United States.

At Zavala Law, PLLC, we have assisted hundreds of individuals with family petitions from every continent, notwithstanding Antarctica. We understand the crucial need to bring family members together. We also have a deep familiarity with the family-based immigration process and the potential mistakes that can be made.

We know the challenges and contingencies that can arise, how to prevent them, and address them if they occur. Our job is to ensure that this detailed process is handled to give you the best chance of an approval without unnecessary delays or setbacks. We will explain everything at the outset and keep you informed and involved along the way.

Need a family-based immigration petition? Contact Zavala Law, PLLC at (512) 488-3970 or online. We serve all Texans and clients across America.

The Family-Based Immigration Petition

U.S. citizens, green card holders, refugees, and asylees all may sponsor certain relatives through a family petition.

For example, a U.S. citizen can submit petitions for:

• A spouse.
• Unmarried children under the age of 21.
• Sons or daughters who are married and/or over the age of 21.
• Parents if the citizen is over the age of 21.
• Brothers or sisters if the citizen is over the age of 21.
• A fiancé(e) who resides outside the U.S. and his or her minor children.

Relatives who are considered “immediate” come first in visa availability; that means visas will always be available to these relatives of U.S. citizens. Immediate relatives are considered spouses, minor children (under 21), and parents. The process is begun by filing Form I-130 that is called Petition for Alien Relative.

This form demonstrates the family relationship upon which the petition is based. In some cases this can also be filed with an application for lawful permanent residence that is known as Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status.

Preference categories have been established for other relatives of U.S. citizens and for the relatives of green card holders (lawful permanent residents). Need a family-based immigration petition? Contact Zavala Law, PLLC at (512) 488-3970 or online.

These preferences categories include the following:

• First preference for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens (adult is aged 21 or older)
• Second preference (2A) for the spouses and minor children (under 21) of green card holders
• Second preference (2B) for the unmarried adult children of green card holders
• Third preference for the married children of any age of U.S. citizens
• Fourth preference for the siblings of adult U.S. citizens

The family-based application process for current green card holders also includes the Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative as well as proof that you are a green card holder and accompanying evidence showing the family relationship. That evidence can include such documentation as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other paperwork.

Once a visa becomes available for your family member, he or she can either go through the adjustment of status process if living within the U.S. or the consular processing route if living outside the U.S.

Talk to an Austin family petition immigration attorney about your case at (512) 488-3970.