Family-Based Immigration
Reuniting families through spouse, parent, child, and sibling immigration petitions. Guiding you through every step.
Free Case ReviewFamily reunification is the cornerstone of the United States immigration system. If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be able to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States. At Maples, Connick & Brendel, we help families navigate the complex petition and application process to bring loved ones together.
Who Can You Sponsor?
The family members you can sponsor and the processing times involved depend on your immigration status.
U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouse, unmarried children under 21 (immediate relatives — no visa number wait), unmarried sons and daughters over 21, married sons and daughters, parents (if the citizen is 21 or older), and siblings (if the citizen is 21 or older).
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor their spouse, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried sons and daughters over 21.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — spouses, unmarried minor children, and parents — have visa numbers immediately available, meaning their cases can proceed without waiting for a visa number to become current. All other categories are subject to wait times that vary based on the relationship and the beneficiary’s country of origin.
The Process
Family-based immigration generally follows a series of steps. The sponsoring family member files a petition (Form I-130) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Once the petition is approved and a visa number is available, the beneficiary either applies for adjustment of status if already in the United States, or goes through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The process involves extensive documentation including proof of the family relationship, financial support through an Affidavit of Support, background checks, medical examinations, and an interview.
Each step has specific requirements and potential complications. Missing documentation, errors on forms, or failure to respond to Requests for Evidence can result in delays or denials.
How We Help
We guide families through every stage of the process. We evaluate your eligibility and advise on the best strategy for your specific situation. We prepare and file all petitions and applications with accurate, complete documentation. We respond to Requests for Evidence promptly and thoroughly. We prepare family members for interviews. We monitor case progress and follow up with USCIS or the National Visa Center when delays occur. And we troubleshoot complications, including prior immigration violations, criminal history, or unlawful presence issues that may affect eligibility.
When Things Get Complicated
Family immigration cases are not always straightforward. Issues that can complicate a case include prior deportation or removal orders, unlawful presence bars requiring waivers, criminal history that may trigger inadmissibility, prior immigration fraud, fraudulent marriages in the past, and complex blended family situations involving children from multiple relationships.
We have experience handling these complexities and developing strategies to overcome barriers to family reunification.
If you want to sponsor a family member for immigration to the United States, contact us for a consultation to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Processing times vary significantly. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, minor children, parents) can often complete the process within 12 to 24 months. Other family preference categories can take several years to over a decade, depending on the relationship category and the beneficiary’s country of origin.
The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a legally binding commitment by the sponsoring family member to financially support the immigrant at a level at or above 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. This document is required for most family-based immigration cases and demonstrates that the immigrant will not become a public charge.
If your income alone does not meet the requirements, you may use a joint sponsor — another person who is willing to accept legal responsibility for financially supporting the immigrant. The joint sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meet the income requirements independently.