Family-Based Immigration Services

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish a qualifying family relationship and initiate the process for their family members to obtain a green card. Immediate relatives, who receive priority processing, include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents if the petitioner is at least 21 years old.

U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can also file Form I-130 to sponsor their brothers or sisters, but these petitions fall under the family preference category, which typically has longer waiting periods due to annual visa limits. Petitioners must submit separate Form I-130 petitions for each family member, accompanied by supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other evidence to prove the qualifying relationship. Filing this form is the essential first step in reuniting families through lawful permanent residence in the United States.