FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION
Our team can assist you with high-quality, fair-priced and efficiently handled representation for family petitions, consular processing, adjustment of status, all manner of immigrant waivers, and the many variations in this area of the law.
Petitions & Consular Processing
All family-based immigration cases begin with a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident filing a petition for their non-citizen relative. In some cases, petitions can be approved and the non-citizen can have options to immigrate within as little as 1-2 years. In other cases, wait times are very long due to quotas set up through the priority category visa system. U.S. citizens can generally petition their spouses, minor children, and parents in a reasonably fast and efficient manner, assuming no inadmissibility issues. Other types of cases may require long waits. Consular processing refers to the process where the non-citizen applies for an immigrant visa at the U.S. embassy in their home country, or where they permanently reside. We can help you understand your options for bringing your relative, provide realistic timeframes, and discuss any complications that may arise in this process.
Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of status refers to the process where a non-citizen may change their status from that of a visitor or student, for example, to that of a permanent resident without having to depart the United States. This generally applies to individuals who have entered the United States legally, although there are exceptions such as the 245(i) grandfathering law for individuals with petitions filed for them prior to April 30, 2001, or for certain relatives of military service members. As with any family-based case, individuals must have a qualified petitioner in order to adjust their status. Applicants for adjustment of status will often have interviews at the local USCIS office in order to review their eligibility. We can provide excellent representation for individuals in nearly all types of adjustment of status cases.
Fiancé/K-1 Visas
United States citizens may petition their overseas fiancé/fiancées to come and join them in the United States for the purpose of marrying and adjusting status to permanent residence. This process involves the couple establishing to USCIS that they are free and legally eligible to marry, that they have met in person in the past two years, and that they are in a bona fide relationship with the intention to marry within 90 days of the non-citizens’s entry to the United States. The petitioner (or another willing United States citizen or lawful permanent resident) must also demonstrate they are financially capable of supporting their future spouse and any accompanying children. There are multiple steps to this process that require the sort of professional assistance we are equipped to provide in order to get through smoothly.
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Laura. She successfully handled every single step of my husband’s I-601A waiver case. Her communication with us was simply outstanding! She often responded to emails within hours (sometimes even minutes), and I felt comfortable asking her to clarify or re-explain things when I needed some reassurance. She was patient and approachable from beginning to end. Compiling our evidence and filling out all the forms was a breeze, thanks to her excellent organization and precise instructions. In addition, Laura was pro-active and always on top of things involving our case. She was professional, yet friendly and down to earth. I have recommended Laura to all of our friends who are thinking of going through the immigration process. She is simply the best of the best!”