Famliy Immigration Attorney

Family Visas in the United States: A Complete Guide from Global Allianz Law Firm LLP

Family-based immigration is the most common pathway for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence in the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can sponsor eligible family members—including spouses, children, parents, and siblings—to immigrate through various family visa categories. At Global Allianz Law Firm LLP, our experienced immigration attorneys in Stockton and Sacramento have helped over 25,000 families navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law for more than 25 years.

Key Takeaways About Family-Based Immigration

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21) have no annual visa limits and typically process in 10-14 months
• Family preference categories (siblings, married children, adult children) face annual visa quotas and can take 5-20+ years
• The current Form I-130 filing fee is $625 online or $675 by mail (as of December 2025)
• U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings; green card holders can only sponsor spouses and unmarried children
• Working with an experienced family immigration attorney significantly improves approval chances and reduces processing delays
• Global Allianz serves clients in English, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog

What Types of Family Visas Are Available?

U.S. immigration law provides multiple pathways for families to reunite. Global Allianz Law Firm LLP handles all types of family-based immigration cases. Click on any visa type below to learn more about that specific category.

Fiancé and Spouse Visas

U.S. citizens can bring their fiancé(e)s and spouses to the United States through these specialized visa categories:

• K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa – Allows your fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. and marry within 90 days
• K-2 Children of K-1 Visa Holders – For unmarried children under 21 of K-1 visa holders
• K-3 Spouses of U.S. Citizens – For spouses of U.S. citizens awaiting I-130 approval
• K-4 Children of U.S. Citizens – For children of K-3 visa holders

Immediate Relative Visas (No Annual Limits)

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens enjoy priority processing with no annual visa caps. These visas typically process in 10-14 months:

• IR-1 Spouse Visa – For spouses of U.S. citizens (married 2+ years)
• IR-2 Child Visa – For unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
• IR-3 Adopted Orphan Visa – For orphans adopted abroad by U.S. citizens
• IR-4 Adopted Orphan Visa – For orphans to be adopted in the U.S. by U.S. citizens
• IR-5 Parent Visa – For parents of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be 21+)

Family Preference Visas (Subject to Annual Limits)

These categories have annual visa quotas, which often result in multi-year waiting periods:

• F1 Category – Unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens (7-12+ years)
• F-2 Family Members of F-1 – Spouses and children of F-1 student visa holders
• F2A Category – Spouses and minor children of green card holders (4-7 years)
• F2B Category – Unmarried adult children (21+) of green card holders (10+ years)
• F3 Category – Married children of U.S. citizens (6-15+ years)
• F4 Category – Siblings of U.S. citizens, petitioner must be 21+ (12-24+ years)

Derivative Family Visas for Work and Student Visa Holders

Family members of certain work and student visa holders can obtain derivative visas to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States:

• H-4 Family Members of H-1, H-2, H-3 – For spouses and children of H visa holders
• L-2 Family Members of L-1 – For spouses and children of L-1 intracompany transferees
• O-3 Family of O-1, O-2 – For spouses and children of O-1 extraordinary ability visa holders
• R-2 Family Members of R-1 – For spouses and children of R-1 religious workers
• TD Family Members of TN – For spouses and children of TN NAFTA professionals

Visas for Spouses and Children of U.S. Residents

These visa categories are designed for family members of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who have been waiting for extended periods:

• V-1 Spouses of U.S. Residents – For spouses of green card holders with petitions pending 3+ years
• V-2 Children of U.S. Residents – For children of green card holders with petitions pending 3+ years

Adjustment of Status and Follow-to-Join

These processes help family members already in the U.S. or those joining family members who have already immigrated:

• I-485 Adjustment of Status – Apply for a green card without leaving the U.S.
• I-824 Follow to Join – For family members joining a principal immigrant already in the U.S.

How Do I Apply for a Family Visa?

The family visa application process involves several steps and can take anywhere from several months to many years depending on your specific category. Working with an experienced family immigration attorney can help ensure your application is complete and properly documented from the start.

Step 1: File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

The U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor must file Form I-130 with USCIS to establish the qualifying family relationship. This petition is the foundation of the entire family immigration process. You will need to provide evidence of your citizenship or permanent resident status, proof of the family relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.), and photographs.

Step 2: Wait for USCIS Approval and NVC Processing

Once USCIS approves your I-130 petition, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC will collect additional documents and fees before scheduling an interview. For immediate relatives, this process can proceed relatively quickly. For preference categories, you may need to wait until your priority date becomes current according to the monthly Visa Bulletin.

Step 3: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

The final step depends on where your family member is located. If they are outside the United States, they will attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad (consular processing). If they are already in the U.S. with valid status, they may be eligible to file Form I-485, Adjustment of Status, to become a permanent resident without leaving the country.

What Documents Are Required for a Family Visa?

Documentation requirements vary by visa category, but most family-based immigration applications require:

• Proof of petitioner’s status – U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card
• Evidence of family relationship – Marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption decrees
• Financial documentation – Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification
• Passport-style photographs – Meeting USCIS specifications (2×2 inches, white background)
• Medical examination results – From a USCIS-approved civil surgeon or panel physician
• Police clearance certificates – From countries where the beneficiary has lived

Pro Tip: Missing or incomplete documents are one of the most common causes of visa delays and denials. Our immigration attorneys carefully review every document before submission to help ensure your application is complete.

How Long Does Family Visa Processing Take?

Processing times for family visas vary significantly based on the visa category, the beneficiary’s country of birth, and current USCIS workloads. As of December 2025, here are the typical processing timeframes. For the most current processing times, check the Visa Bulletin that we update regularly.

How Much Does a Family Visa Cost?

Family visa costs include government filing fees, medical examination fees, and optional legal fees. Here are the current USCIS filing fees as of December 2025:

• Form I-130 Petition: $625 (online) or $675 (paper filing)
• Form I-485 Adjustment of Status: $1,440 (includes biometrics)
• Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260): $325
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235
• Medical Examination: $200-$500 (varies by location)
• Affidavit of Support Fee: $120

Total costs typically range from $1,500 to $3,500+ depending on the visa category and whether you hire an attorney. Visit the USCIS Forms page for detailed information about each form and its requirements.

What Are Common Mistakes That Delay Family Visa Applications?

Even small errors can cause significant delays or result in denial of your family visa petition. Here are the most common mistakes we see:

1. Incomplete applications – Missing signatures, blank fields, or failing to include required supporting documents
2. Insufficient evidence of relationship – Not providing enough proof that the family relationship is genuine, especially for marriage-based petitions
3. Financial documentation errors – Failing to meet income requirements or submitting outdated tax returns
4. Incorrect form versions – Using outdated USCIS forms instead of the most current editions
5. Missing deadlines – Failing to respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or interview notices within required timeframes
6. Inadmissibility issues – Not disclosing prior immigration violations, criminal history, or other grounds of inadmissibility

Why Choose Global Allianz Law Firm LLP for Your Family Visa Case?

At Global Allianz Law Firm LLP, we understand that family immigration is about more than paperwork—it’s about reuniting loved ones. Our team brings over 25 years of experience and has successfully helped more than 25,000 families navigate the U.S. immigration system.

• Experienced attorneys: Our team includes Managing Partner Allen Sawyer, CEO Atul Kapoor, and Associate Kirk Holmen, all dedicated to immigration law
• Multi-lingual services: We serve clients in English, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog
• Convenient locations: Offices in Stockton and Sacramento, California, plus international offices in Punjab, India and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
• Personalized attention: We understand every family’s situation is unique and provide customized guidance throughout the process
• Comprehensive services: From initial consultation through visa approval, we handle every aspect of your case

“Good service with excellent guidance throughout the entire process. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer our questions.” — Ruby Singh

Special Cases and Waivers for Family Immigration

Some family immigration cases involve special circumstances that require additional forms or waivers. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex cases including:

Waivers of Inadmissibility

If your family member has issues that make them inadmissible to the United States, they may qualify for a waiver:

• I-601 Waiver – For grounds of inadmissibility including certain criminal convictions, fraud, or unlawful presence
• I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver – For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who entered without inspection

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Self-Petitions

Abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or green card holders may petition for immigration benefits independently, without the abuser’s knowledge or cooperation. This important protection allows victims to escape abusive situations while pursuing legal immigration status.

Languages We Speak

We understand that immigration matters are easier to discuss in your native language. Our team serves clients in: English, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog.

Get a Free Consultation About Your Family Visa Case

Ready to begin the process of reuniting with your family? Contact Global Allianz Law Firm LLP today for a free consultation. Our experienced family immigration attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the process. Call our Stockton office at (209) 952-5578 or our Sacramento office at (209) 500-4292, or contact us online to schedule your consultation.

Disclaimer: Immigration laws change frequently. Every case is different. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions