Family petitions
Bringing the people you love here, the lawful way
A U.S. citizen or green-card holder can ask the government to let close relatives live here permanently. We prepare that petition, and every form that follows it, with you.
Who you can petition for depends on your own status. A citizen can petition for a spouse, children, parents, and brothers and sisters; a green-card holder, for a spouse and unmarried children. Some relatives wait months, others wait years, and a few have a past problem, like an earlier entry or a missed appointment, that needs a waiver first. We look at all of it at the first meeting, so you know the likely wait before you pay a filing fee.
What we prepare
The petition that proves your relationship
The affidavit of support and its evidence
The green-card application, here or through a consulate abroad
Waivers, when a past problem stands in the way
Interview practice, and a lawyer beside you on the day
What to gather before we start
Proof of your status
Your naturalization certificate, U.S. passport, birth certificate or green card.
Proof of the relationship
Marriage and birth certificates and, for a spouse, photos and papers from your life together.
Your relative's history
Past visas, entries and exits, and any immigration or court papers they've ever received.
Family petitions, asked and answered
How long will my relative wait?
It depends on the relationship and the country. Spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21 of a citizen don't wait in line for a visa number; other relatives can wait many years. We'll show you the current wait for your family's category at the first meeting.
Can my relative stay here while we wait?
Sometimes. A relative who entered lawfully may be able to finish the process here. Others have to finish it at a consulate abroad, and some need a waiver before they travel. We'll tell you which applies before anyone buys a ticket.
What if I become a citizen while my petition is waiting?
Your petition can often move into a faster category. Tell us when you naturalize and we'll update the file.
Talk through your family's petition
Bring your own status papers and whatever your relative has. We'll map out the likely wait in one meeting.