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Family-based immigration
Family Immigration
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for certain family members to obtain permanent residence in the United States. Parandian Law represents petitioners and beneficiaries in spousal petitions, family preference categories, conditional residence, and removal of conditions — from initial filing through green card issuance.
We guide families through one of the most personal and high-stakes areas of immigration law — with clear timelines, honest assessments of eligibility and risk, and consistent communication throughout the process.
Our practice covers the full range of family-based immigration matters — including marriages entered abroad and in the United States, conditional residence issues, and complex cases involving prior immigration violations or prior removal orders.
Spousal Petition · I-130 · CR-1 · IR-1 · Conditional Residence · I-751 · Consular Processing · Adjustment of Status · Family Preference
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How family immigration works
Family immigration — the essentials
Family-based immigration operates through two tracks — immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and family preference categories. Immediate relatives — spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens — are not subject to annual numerical caps and generally have the fastest processing times. Family preference categories cover more distant relationships and are subject to annual caps and priority date backlogs.
The process begins with an I-130 petition filed by the U.S. citizen or LPR petitioner. Once approved the beneficiary either adjusts status within the United States or goes through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. For spouses of U.S. citizens married less than two years at the time of green card issuance conditional residence applies — requiring an I-751 petition to remove conditions after two years.
Key FACTS
Immediate relatives:
No cap — fastest processing
Spousal petition:
I-130 + adjustment or consular
Conditional residence:
2 years if married under 2 years
Remove conditions:
I-751 — filed in 90-day window
Family preference:
Subject to annual caps
Processing time:
12–36+ months depending on category
Joint sponsor:
May be required for affidavit
Interview required:
Usually yes
What we handle
Family immigration services
Family-based immigration representation for U.S. citizens and permanent residents petitioning for family members.
Spousal petitions
I-130 preparation and filing for U.S. citizens and LPRs petitioning for spouses — including adjustment of status packages for spouses inside the U.S. and consular processing packages for spouses abroad.
I-751 removal of conditions
Petition to remove conditions on residence for conditional green card holders — including joint filing, waiver applications based on divorce or abuse, and representation at USCIS interviews.
Consular processing
Full documentation preparation for beneficiaries processing at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad — including DS-260, civil documents, medical examination coordination, and visa interview preparation.
Family preference petitions
I-130 petitions for family preference categories — including unmarried adult children, married children, and siblings of U.S. citizens, and spouses and unmarried children of LPRs.
How it works
Our family immigration process
01
Eligibility assessment
We review the relationship, the petitioner’s immigration status, and the beneficiary’s immigration history — and advise on the correct petition category, likely processing timeline, and any issues that could affect eligibility or processing.
02
I-130 petition
We prepare and file the I-130 petition with USCIS — including supporting relationship evidence, civil documents, and any required waivers. For immediate relatives the I-130 can be filed concurrently with the adjustment of status application.
03
Adjustment or consular processing
For beneficiaries inside the U.S. we prepare the full I-485 adjustment package including EAD and Advance Parole. For beneficiaries abroad we prepare the consular processing package and coordinate with the National Visa Center and U.S. embassy.
04
Interview preparation
Most family-based cases require a USCIS or consular interview. We prepare petitioners and beneficiaries thoroughly — reviewing the likely questions, document requirements, and how to present the bona fide nature of the relationship clearly and confidently.
Common questions
Family immigration FAQ
How long does a spousal green card take?
For spouses of U.S. citizens processing inside the United States adjustment of status currently takes approximately 18–24 months from filing to green card issuance in most field offices. Consular processing for spouses abroad typically takes 12–18 months from I-130 filing to visa issuance depending on the embassy. These timelines vary significantly by USCIS field office and embassy workload. We provide current processing time estimates at the time of consultation based on the specific office handling the case.
What is conditional residence and how do I remove conditions?
If you received a green card based on a marriage that was less than two years old at the time of approval you received a two-year conditional green card rather than a permanent one. To remove conditions you must file Form I-751 during the 90-day window before your conditional green card expires. In most cases both spouses file jointly and provide evidence of a bona fide ongoing marriage. If the marriage has ended in divorce or you experienced abuse or extreme hardship you may file for a waiver of the joint filing requirement.
Can I work while my green card application is pending?
Yes — once your I-485 adjustment of status application is filed you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (travel document) concurrently. The EAD typically takes 3–6 months to process and authorizes you to work for any employer in the United States while your green card is pending. We file the EAD and Advance Parole applications as part of the standard adjustment of status package.
My spouse has a prior visa overstay or removal order — can they still get a green card?
Prior immigration violations — including overstays, unlawful presence, prior removals, and misrepresentation — can significantly complicate or bar family-based immigration. The analysis depends on the specific violation, when it occurred, and what waivers may be available. Some bars are absolute; others can be waived with a showing of extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR relative. We assess these situations carefully and honestly — including advising when the risks outweigh the benefits of proceeding.
Petitioning for a family member?
Family immigration timelines and requirements vary significantly by situation. Speak with an attorney before filing anything.
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Use our secure intake form to tell us about your matter. We review every submission personally and respond within one business day.