• By: Andrew Driggs, Esq.
Guide to apply a family-based visa application in Harris County, Texas

The family-based visa petition process can be lengthy and emotionally taxing, especially for those separated from their loved ones. At Driggs Immigration Law, we understand the challenges this can bring and work to support clients like you both emotionally and practically.

Our team explores every viable option to help reunite families as quickly as possible. We also keep clients updated on the progress of their case, ensuring they understand the expected timelines and any potential delays—particularly for cases involving siblings or extended family members, which can take longer.

By staying in close communication and setting clear expectations, we help reduce some of the stress that comes with the process. Keep reading to learn more about…

  • Whether you’re eligible to file for a family-based visa petition and who you can file it for.
  • Types of family-based visa petitions.
  • The types of documents and forms you will need when filing the petition.
  • The cost of filing a family-based petition in Texas.

Who Is Eligible For A Family-Based Visa?

Understanding eligibility for a family-based visa petition can save you from the frustration of filing only to face a denial.

Certain people are eligible to file for family-based visa petitions, and there are specific family members for whom you can file. A U.S. citizen may file an immediate relative petition for a parent, a spouse, or a child under 21 years old.

There are additional classifications of family petitions, including those that lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can file. A green card holder may petition for:

  • A spouse
  • A child under 21
  • An unmarried child over 21

What Are The Different Types Of Family-Based Visa Petitions Available In The U.S.?

A family-based visa petition allows eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for lawful permanent residence (a green card). Ultimately, all family-based petitions aim to secure lawful permanent residence for the family member being sponsored.

For U.S. citizens, immediate relatives—defined as a parent, spouse, or child under 21—are not subject to waiting periods and may apply for a green card as soon as the petition is approved. For other family classifications, there are waiting periods that vary depending on the relationship and country of origin.

What Forms Do I Need To File For A Family-Based Visa?

The forms required depend on both the petitioner’s and the beneficiary’s circumstances:

  • Immediate Relatives Of U.S. Citizens

To start the process, file Form I-130. If the family member is already in the United States and eligible to adjust status, you may also submit Form I-485 to apply for lawful permanent residence. In this case, it may be possible to file for work authorization and a travel document to allow travel outside the United States while the application is pending.

  • Family Classifications With Waiting Periods

For categories that require waiting periods—such as petitions for adult children or siblings—Form I-130 is typically filed alone, as the beneficiary must wait until a visa number becomes available before applying for permanent residence.

image of attorney Andrew Driggs - Driggs Immigration Law

Attorney Andrew Driggs is a seasoned lawyer based in Harris County, TX, who has helped countless clients just like you navigate the intricacies of Family Immigration law. With over 30 years of experience, he is prepared to assist you in filing family-based visa petitions so that you can reconnect with your loved ones and help them experience a piece of the American dream.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact Driggs Immigration Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation.

What Documents Should I Prepare For A Family-Based Visa In Harris County?

Filing a family-based visa petition is document-intensive, and starting the process without complete documentation can lead to significant delays. Some required documents may take time to obtain, so it’s beneficial to gather them early.

Some of the documents you should prepare before filing a petition for a family-based visa in Harris County, TX include:

  • Birth Certificates: These establish the identity and relationship of the family member to the petitioner.
  • Proof of Citizenship Or Lawful Permanent Residence: The petitioner must provide evidence of their U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
  • Marriage Certificate: Required for petitions involving spouses to demonstrate the marital relationship.

For spousal petitions, further evidence is needed to show that the marriage is bona fide (genuine). Examples include:

  • Joint bank account statements
  • Joint credit account statements
  • Joint car insurance policies
  • Joint cell phone or utility bills

These documents help establish that the couple shares a life together and are living as husband and wife.

For petitions involving non-immediate relatives, essential documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates are generally sufficient.

What Is The Cost Of Filing A Family-Based Visa Petition In Texas?

The cost of filing a family-based visa petition in Texas depends on the specific forms required. For Form I-130 alone, the fee is $675. If you also need to file Form I-485, there is an additional fee of $1,440. This brings the total to $2,115 if both forms are filed together for the green card application.

How Should You Prepare For The Interview With The USCIS For A Family-Based Visa Petition?

Knowing that you have an interview with immigration can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t require extensive preparation. Most questions are straightforward and focus on verifying information about your relationship or family ties.

To help clients feel at ease, we often walk through commonly asked questions and offer tips on responding calmly and confidently. For marriage-based petitions, for example, interviewers may ask about how the couple met or request a brief history of the relationship. While many marriage-based applications are currently approved without an interview, it’s always wise to prepare as though one may be required.

In some cases, our team can attend the interview with you to provide additional support and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Applying For A Family-Based Visa In Harris County, Texas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (855) 620-5511 today.

image of attorney Andrew Driggs - Driggs Immigration Law

Attorney Andrew Driggs is a seasoned lawyer based in Harris County, TX, who has helped countless clients just like you navigate the intricacies of Family Immigration law. With over 30 years of experience, he is prepared to assist you in filing family-based visa petitions so that you can reconnect with your loved ones and help them experience a piece of the American dream.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact Driggs Immigration Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation.

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