JLA Law Group

Family Petitions: Reunite Your Family in the U.S.

Case Evaluation→(770) 609-9396

Family reunification is one of the pillars of the United States immigration system. If you are a citizen or permanent resident, you can petition for certain family members to obtain permanent residence through Form I-130. At J. Lee & Associates, we handle family petitions for the Hispanic community in Gwinnett County and the entire Atlanta metropolitan area.

Family petition categories are divided into immediate relatives (no visa limit under INA § 201(b)) and preference categories (F1 through F4 under INA § 203(a), with annual limits). Immediate relatives of citizens include spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21. Preference categories include unmarried adult children of citizens (F1), spouses and children of permanent residents (F2A/F2B), married children of citizens (F3), and siblings of citizens (F4).

Wait times vary enormously depending on the category and country of origin. For immediate relatives, the process can be completed in 12 to 24 months. For the F4 category (siblings) of Mexican citizens, the wait can exceed 20 years. We monitor the Visa Bulletin monthly and keep you informed about the progress of your specific case.

Steps You Should Take

1

Family Evaluation Consultation

Call (770) 609-9396. We determine your petition category, estimated wait times based on the current Visa Bulletin, and whether any obstacles exist such as bars of inadmissibility.

2

I-130 Preparation

We gather all evidence of the family relationship: birth certificates, marriage certificates, evidence of a genuine relationship, and documents of your status as the petitioner.

3

Financial Sponsorship (I-864)

We prepare the affidavit of support with your tax returns, proof of employment, and if necessary, identify a qualified joint sponsor.

4

Follow-Through to Reunification

We monitor the Visa Bulletin, coordinate the consular process or adjustment of status, and represent you at interviews until your family member obtains permanent residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an immediate relative and a preference category?
Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried minor children of citizens) have no visa limit and process more quickly. Preference categories (F1-F4) have annual limits that create waiting lists. Permanent residents can only petition for spouses and children, not for parents or siblings.
Can a permanent resident petition for their parents?
No. Only citizens can petition for their parents. If you are a permanent resident and want to bring your parents, the fastest path is to first obtain citizenship (naturalization) and then file the petition as an immediate relative with no visa limit.
What is the Affidavit of Support (I-864)?
It is a legally enforceable contract in which the petitioner commits to supporting the beneficiary at 125% of the federal poverty level. It is a mandatory requirement under INA § 213A. If your income does not meet the threshold, you can use a joint sponsor who meets the financial requirement.
Can I petition for my married child?
Only if you are a U.S. citizen, under the F3 category. Permanent residents can only petition for unmarried children. If your child marries while a pending F2B petition (unmarried child of resident) is active, the petition is automatically invalidated.
Can my family member visit while waiting for the visa?
They can apply for a visitor visa (B-2), but they must demonstrate intent to return to their country. Having a pending I-130 does not prevent a visitor visa but may generate additional scrutiny. They must not stay beyond the authorized period.

Applicable Laws

INA § 201(b) / 8 USC § 1151(b)Immediate relatives of citizens: no annual visa limit.
INA § 203(a) / 8 USC § 1153(a)Family preference categories F1-F4 with annual limits.
INA § 213A / 8 USC § 1183aAffidavit of support: 125% of the federal poverty level requirement.
INA § 212(a)(9)(B)Bars of inadmissibility for unlawful presence affecting beneficiaries in consular processing.

Related Services

Tarjeta VerdeLey de InmigraciónNaturalizaciónLey de InmigraciónPermisos de TrabajoLey de Inmigración

Other Immigration Law Services

G
Green Card
D
Deportation Defense
A
Asylum
V
VAWA
U
U-Visa
D
DACA
N
Naturalization
W
Work Permits
C
Cancellation of Removal
I
I-601 Waiver
M
Marriage Green Card
A
Adjustment of Status
H
H-1B Visa
T
Temporary Protected Status
S
Special Immigrant Juvenile
C
Criminal & Immigration

Case Evaluation

Talk to a family petitions attorney today.

Schedule Consultation(770) 609-9396

1250 Tech Dr, Suite 240

Norcross, GA 30093

Don't Wait. Every Day Counts.

The law has deadlines. Protect your rights today.

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