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Family Based Petitions                                                     

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You can petition to bring certain family members to the United States  if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.  In order for you to petition to bring a family member to the U.S. a qualifying family relationship must exist.  You must file a petition for alien relative (I-130) to begin the process.  

​There are two categories of qualifying relatives: immediate relative and preference relative.  Each of those categories has a precise meaning under immigration law.

Immediate relatives have an immediate right to apply for U.S. permanent residence.  Other categories are subject to yearly limits on the numbers who can apply for permanent residence.  The wait times for preference relatives can be many years, depending on the subcategory of relative and the country that your relative is from.

Our attorneys can help you explore all your options and guide you and your family through the immigration process.