family immigration services

Reuniting Loved Ones in the U.S.

At The Dhanani Law Firm, we understand that family is everything. Whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, reuniting with your family is a priority. Our family immigration services are designed to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. With over 25 years of experience, we guide you through every step of the immigration process to bring your loved ones to the United States.

Bringing Families Together: Your Path to U.S. Residency

Family immigration allows U.S. citizens and Green Card holders to sponsor relatives for permanent residency. The U.S. immigration system offers several paths to family reunification, each with its own requirements and timeline.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

The relatives you can sponsor depend on your immigration status:

U.S Citizens can petition for:
    • Spouses
    • Parents (if the citizen is 21 or older)
    • Children (unmarried persons under 21 years of age)
    • Sons and Daughters (unmarried persons 21 years of age or older, or married persons of any age)
    • Siblings (if the citizen is 21 or older)
Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) can petition for:
    • Spouses
    • Children (unmarried persons under 21 years of age)
    • Sons and Daughters (unmarried persons 21 years of age or older)

Understanding the Family Immigration Process

We provide clear guidance through each stage of the family immigration process, making sure you’re well-prepared and fully informed.

Step 1: Filing the Family Petition (Form I-130)

The first step in the family immigration process is filing Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the qualifying family relationship between you and your relative. Supporting documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, must be submitted to verify the relationship.

Step 2: Immigration Pathways

Once the I-130 petition is submitted, the next steps depend on whether your relative is already in the U.S. or is living abroad:

  • If Your Family Member Is in the U.S.
    If your relative is already in the U.S. legally, we can often file the I-130 petition concurrently with Form I-485, the Application to Adjust Status. This allows your relative to apply for a Green Card without leaving the U.S. Once approved, they will become lawful permanent residents.
  • If Your Family Member Is Outside the U.S.
    If your family member is living abroad, they will go through consular processing. After the I-130 petition is approved, the case is sent to a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country, where they will complete the immigrant visa process. Once granted the visa, they can enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.

Step 3: Waiting Periods and Visa Categories

For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, and children under 21), there is no limit on the number of visas issued each year, so the process typically moves faster.

For family preference categories (siblings, sons and daughters, and relatives of Green Card holders), there are annual visa limits, which can result in longer wait times. We help you understand current visa availability based on the U.S. State Department’s Visa Bulletin and keep you informed about your case’s progress.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: For Engaged Couples

If you are a U.S. citizen engaged to a foreign national, the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa allows your fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. for 90 days, during which time you must marry. After the marriage, your spouse can apply for a Green Card through Adjustment of Status.
We assist with preparing and filing the necessary paperwork, ensuring a smooth process for bringing your fiancé(e) to the U.S. and securing your future together.

Why Choose The Dhanani Law Firm?

Navigating family immigration can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At The Dhanani Law Firm, we are committed to providing personalized legal guidance to help you reunite with your family and ensure the immigration process proceeds efficiently. Here’s how we assist:

Tailored Legal Support: Every family situation is different. We offer customized legal strategies to meet your specific needs, helping you choose the best path forward for your case.

Experienced Guidance: With over 25 years of experience in immigration law, we have handled numerous family immigration cases. Our knowledge of the system helps ensure that your case stays on track.

Open Communication: We prioritize keeping you informed. Throughout the process, we provide regular updates, ensuring that you always know the status of your case.

Common Issues in Family Immigration Cases

While family immigration is a straightforward process, certain challenges can arise, such as documentation issues or processing delays. At The Dhanani Law Firm, we help you avoid common pitfalls and keep your case moving forward.

Delays and Stalled Cases: If your case is delayed or stuck in processing, we can help resolve the issue and push your case forward.

Document Preparation and Review: Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork can lead to delays. We thoroughly review all documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance, avoiding unnecessary complications.

Start Your Family Immigration Journey Today

If you’re ready to bring your family members to the U.S., we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact The Dhanani Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and begin your family immigration journey with confidence.