Immigration Law

Immigration for a Family Member

At Maris Immigration Law, we help U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents reunite with the people they love. Immigration for a family member includes filing petitions and visas that allow relatives to come to — or stay in — the United States as lawful permanent residents or to enter the country to marry and adjust status. Our experienced team guides you through every step of this often complex process with compassion and expertise.

Family-Based Green Cards & I-130 Petitions

The first step in most family-based immigration cases is filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition establishes that a qualifying family relationship exists between the petitioner (a U.S. citizen or green card holder) and the beneficiary (the family member you want to bring to the U.S.).

Depending on your family member’s circumstances, the next step may be either adjustment of status (if they are already in the U.S. and eligible) or consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Certain family members (if in the United States already) may be eligible to apply for a green card when their I-130 petition is filed.

For those inside or outside the United States, the approval of an I-130 petition by itself does not grant immigration status — it simply starts the process and determines your relative’s place in line for a visa number if one is required.

For those outside the United States, the next step after approval of the I-130 petition is consular processing. More details about consular processing can be found below.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas

If your loved one is your fiancé(e) and you plan to marry in the United States, you may choose the K-1 fiancé(e) visa pathway. A U.S. citizen petitioner files Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) to allow their fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. for marriage. Once the visa is issued, the fiancé(e) must marry the petitioner within 90 days of arrival and can then apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.

The K-1 visa offers a way for engaged couples to be together in the U.S. while completing the immigration process. It can be a good option when marriage abroad is not yet planned or feasible.

Consular Processing

If your family member is outside the United States, they will usually complete the immigration process through consular processing. This means that after a family-based petition is approved:

1. USCIS sends the approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC).
2. The NVC will request visa application forms, supporting civil documents, and payment of fees.
3. Once everything is submitted and processed, your family member will interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
4. If the visa is approved, they travel to the United States and enter as a lawful permanent resident.

Consular processing is the standard path for most immigrants abroad and requires careful preparation of documentation and interview readiness.

Why Choose Maris Immigration Law

Family immigration can be legally complex, with specific requirements for forms, supporting evidence, interviews, and timing. At Maris Immigration Law, we:

• Evaluate eligibility and advise on the best pathway for your situation
• Prepare and file I-130, I-129F, and other immigration petitions
• Coordinate consular processing or adjustment of status steps
• Monitor timelines and respond to government requests

Our goal is to help bring your family together as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Contact us today to talk with an attorney and learn how we can assist you in sponsoring your family member for U.S. immigration.