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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…
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 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.
The forms required depend on both the petitioner’s and the beneficiary’s circumstances:
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.
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.
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:
For spousal petitions, further evidence is needed to show that the marriage is bona fide (genuine). Examples include:
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.
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.
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.
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.