Family / Marriage
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can help certain family members immigrate to the United States.
Process and Pricing
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Family Based Immigration
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A foreign citizen seeking to live in the United States permanently requires an immigrant visa (IV). To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident "LPR" (a green-card holder).
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There are two types of family-based immigrant visas:
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Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.
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Family Preference – these visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year and can come with substantial wait times.
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A U.S. citizens can file an immigrant visa petition for their:
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Spouse
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Son or daughter
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Parent
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Brother or sister
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U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) can only file an immigrant visa petition for their:
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Spouse
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Unmarried son or daughter
For most filings, the U.S. government charges applicants a fee. The current government fee for form I-130 is $535; form I-485 is $1,140​. All U.S. government fees are in addition to and separate from fees paid to your attorney, and, are subject to change. For a complete list of government fees, please visit the USCIS website by clicking here.
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