FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION
I-130 Family Petitions &
Consular Processing
for qualifying family members and navigate the immigrant visa process abroad.
Bringing Families Together Across Borders
Who We Help
Spouses
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may petition for their husbands or wives to immigrate to the United States.
Parents
U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old may petition for their parents to immigrate to the United States.
Children
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may petition for qualifying children, sons, and daughters, depending on their circumstances.
Brothers & Sisters
How the Process Works
STEP 1
File the I-130 Petition
We prepare and file your I-130 petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
STEP 2
National Visa Center
STEP 3
Consular Interview
Your loved one attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
STEP 4
Visa Approval & Entry
Once approved, your loved one receives an immigrant visa and can travel to the United States
Guidance From
Petition to Interview
Our team provides clear, personalized guidance throughout every stage of the I-130 petition and consular processing journey.
- Careful preparation of your petition and documents
- Step-by-step guidance and responsive communication
- Preparation for National Visa Center processing
- Support in preparing for the consular interview
- Dedicated support until your loved one arrives
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can I petition for?
U.S. citizens may petition for a spouse, children, married or unmarried sons and daughters, parents, and siblings, depending on the petitioner’s age and the qualifying family relationship.
Lawful permanent residents may petition for a spouse and unmarried children or sons and daughters. They cannot petition for parents, married children, or siblings.
The applicable immigration category, availability of an immigrant visa, and expected waiting period depend on the petitioner’s status and the beneficiary’s family relationship.
How long does consular processing take?
There is no single processing time for every case. The overall timeline depends on how long USCIS takes to decide the I-130 petition, whether an immigrant visa is immediately available, National Visa Center processing, the completeness of the submitted documents, and appointment availability at the assigned U.S. embassy or consulate.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to the annual numerical limitations that apply to family-preference categories. Other relatives may have to wait until their priority date becomes current before an immigrant visa can be issued.
Requests for Evidence, missing documents, prior immigration violations, criminal history, inadmissibility issues, or the need for a waiver may extend the process.
What documents will we need?
The required documents depend on the family relationship and the applicant’s individual history. Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce judgments, passports, police certificates, photographs, and evidence establishing the qualifying family relationship.
The petitioner will generally need to submit financial sponsorship documents, including Form I-864, tax records, and proof of income or assets. Marriage-based cases should also include evidence demonstrating that the marriage is genuine and was not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
Additional records may be necessary when the applicant has a prior marriage, criminal history, previous immigration filings, unlawful presence, removal proceedings, or another potentially complicating issue.
What happens at the interview?
The applicant will ordinarily attend an in-person interview at the assigned U.S. embassy or consulate. Before the interview, the applicant must complete the required medical examination and gather the original civil documents and other items required by the consular post.
During the interview, a consular officer may review the immigrant visa application, family relationship, immigration history, criminal history, prior entries into the United States, financial sponsorship, and other eligibility issues.
Applicants should answer every question truthfully, clearly, and directly. If the officer approves the application, the applicant will receive instructions concerning the return of the passport and immigrant visa. An interview does not guarantee approval, and additional documents or administrative processing may sometimes be required.