Overview
Individuals and families looking for a family immigration lawyer in Lexington, Massachusetts can turn to Wakrim Law Firm for guidance on U.S. family-based immigration matters. Depending on the petitioner’s immigration status and family relationship, available options may involve spouses, parents, children, sons and daughters, or siblings. We help clients understand eligibility requirements, supporting evidence, interviews, and the steps involved in the family immigration process.
Who You May Be Able to Sponsor
Spouse Green Card
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may be able to petition for a qualifying spouse. We assist clients with eligibility, supporting evidence, and the family-based immigration process.
Parent Green Card
U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old may be able to petition for a parent. Parents of qualifying U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives, which means immigrant visas are not subject to annual numerical limits.
Children, Sons, and Daughters
Eligibility and immigration category depend on factors such as the petitioner’s status, the beneficiary’s age, and marital status. Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens may qualify as immediate relatives, while other sons and daughters generally fall within family-preference categories.
Sibling Green Card
U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old may petition for qualifying brothers and sisters. Sibling cases fall under a family-preference category and are subject to visa availability and priority dates.
Our Family Petition Process
- Initial Consultation : We review your immigration history, family relationship, eligibility, and available options.
- Petition Preparation: : We help prepare the family petition and supporting evidence appropriate to the relationship and circumstances.
- Filing and Case Preparation : We assist with filing and help clients respond to notices or prepare for additional requirements when applicable.
- Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status : Depending on eligibility and circumstances, a case may proceed through adjustment of status in the United States or consular processing abroad. USCIS treats these as distinct pathways to permanent residence.
- Interview and Follow-up: When an interview is required, we help clients prepare and assist with requests for additional evidence or other case notices.
- Decision and Next Steps : We explain the decision and any remaining requirements or post-approval steps.
For official information about family-based immigration and green card eligibility, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a spouse green card take?
Processing times vary depending on the type of case, whether the process takes place in the United States or through a U.S. consulate abroad, government workloads, and individual circumstances. Applicants should review current government processing information for the most up-to-date estimates.
Q: Can a parent apply if the U.S. citizen sponsor is under 21?
No. A U.S. citizen must generally be at least 21 years old to petition for a parent as an immediate relative.
Q: What is a preference category?
Family preference categories apply to certain relatives who are not classified as immediate relatives. They include, depending on the petitioner’s status and family relationship, certain spouses, children, sons and daughters, and siblings. These categories are subject to annual visa limits and visa availability.
Q: Do I need an interview?
An interview may be required depending on the type of family immigration case and how it is processed. USCIS generally interviews adjustment-of-status applicants unless the interview is waived, and interview requirements may differ for consular cases.
Q: What if my petition is denied?
If a family petition is denied, available options depend on the reason for the decision and the circumstances of the case. A petitioner may have the option to appeal, request reconsideration or reopening, or pursue another appropriate immigration strategy. The decision should be reviewed carefully before taking the next step.
Q: Can beneficiaries work while waiting?
Not automatically. Being the beneficiary of a family petition does not by itself provide employment authorization. Whether a person may work while a green card case is pending depends on their immigration status and eligibility for employment authorization.
Speak With a Family Immigration Attorney
If you have questions about a family-based immigration matter, contact Wakrim Law Firm to discuss your situation, eligibility, and possible next steps.