Reunite Your Family in America

Family unity is at the heart of U.S. immigration law. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you can petition for your loved ones to join you in America. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through every step of the family-based immigration process, from filing petitions to achieving permanent residency.

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Family Immigration Process

From petition to green card – we handle it all

1

Consultation

Evaluate relationship and determine best visa category

2

File Petition

Submit I-130 family petition with supporting evidence

3

Wait for Priority

Monitor visa bulletin for current priority dates

4

NVC Processing

Complete forms and submit civil documents

5

Interview

Attend consular or USCIS interview

6

Green Card

Receive permanent resident status

Family Visa Categories

Different relationships qualify for different visa categories and wait times.

We’ll help you understand your options and choose the fastest path to reunification.

1

Immediate Relatives (IR)

No annual limits or waiting periods. For spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.

No wait times – Priority processing
2

First Preference (F1)

Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of U.S. citizens. Limited annual visas available.

Current wait: 7-8 years
3

Second Preference (F2)

Spouses, children, and unmarried adult children of green card holders. Split into F2A and F2B categories.

F2A: 2-3 years / F2B: 5-7 years
4

Third Preference (F3)

Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, including their spouses and minor children.

Current wait: 12-13 years
5

Fourth Preference (F4)

Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21+), including their families.

Current wait: 13-24 years
6

K Visas (Fiancé)

For fiancés of U.S. citizens (K-1) and their children (K-2). Must marry within 90 days of entry.

Processing: 6-9 months

WHY CHOOSE ATLAS

Expert Family Immigration Services

PRIORITY DATE TRACKING

We monitor visa bulletins monthly and notify you immediately when your priority date becomes current, ensuring you never miss your opportunity.

DOCUMENT PREPARATION

Complete preparation of all forms, affidavits, and supporting documents. We ensure everything is perfect before submission to avoid delays.

CONSULAR EXPERTISE

Navigate complex consular processing at U.S. embassies worldwide. We prepare you for interviews and handle all communication with NVC.

WAIVER ASSISTANCE

Handle complex situations including unlawful presence waivers, criminal inadmissibility, and other challenges that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common family immigration questions

Processing times vary significantly based on your relationship and the petitioner’s status:
  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: 8-14 months total
  • F1 (Adult unmarried children of citizens): 7-8 years
  • F2A (Spouses/minor children of green card holders): 2-3 years
  • F2B (Adult unmarried children of green card holders): 5-7 years
  • F3 (Married children of citizens): 12-13 years
  • F4 (Siblings of citizens): 13-24 years depending on country
Times can be longer for certain countries like Mexico, Philippines, India, and China due to per-country limits.
It depends on their current status and location:

If in the U.S.: They can apply for work authorization (EAD) if they’re adjusting status and have filed Form I-485. The EAD typically takes 3-5 months to receive.

If abroad: They cannot work in the U.S. until they enter with their immigrant visa. However, K-1 fiancé visa holders can apply for work authorization upon arrival.

Special cases: Some may maintain work authorization through other visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.) while the family petition is pending.
Unlawful presence creates challenges but doesn’t always prevent family immigration:
  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may be able to adjust status in the U.S. despite unlawful entry (with some exceptions)
  • 601A Provisional Waiver: Available for those who must leave the U.S. and would face extreme hardship separation
  • 245(i) Protection: Some with old petitions filed before April 30, 2001 may adjust status by paying a penalty
  • Unlawful presence bars: 3-year bar for 180-365 days unlawful presence, 10-year bar for over 1 year
Each situation is unique. We can evaluate whether waivers or other relief options are available for your family member.
Yes, both stepchildren and adopted children can be petitioned for, with specific requirements:

Stepchildren: The marriage creating the step-relationship must have occurred before the child’s 18th birthday. The stepchild is treated the same as a biological child for immigration purposes.

Adopted children: The adoption must be finalized before the child’s 16th birthday (or 18th in some sibling cases), and you must have legal custody and resided with the child for at least 2 years.

Orphans and Hague Convention: Special processes exist for intercountry adoptions, with different requirements depending on the child’s country of origin.
Required documents vary by relationship, but typically include:
  • Proof of petitioner’s status: U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate
  • Proof of relationship: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption decrees
  • Identity documents: Passport biographic pages for beneficiary
  • Proof of terminated marriages: Divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable
  • Photographs: Passport-style photos of petitioner and beneficiary
  • Legal name changes: Court orders for any name changes
We ensure all documents are properly translated, authenticated, and organized to avoid delays or requests for evidence.
Visiting during the immigration process can be complex:

Tourist visa challenges: Having a pending immigrant petition can make it harder to prove “nonimmigrant intent” required for tourist visas. Consular officers may deny B-2 visas due to immigration intent.

Visa Waiver Program: Citizens of VWP countries may still visit, but must be honest about the pending petition. Risk of denial at the border exists.

Best practices: Maintain strong ties to home country, bring evidence of intent to return, be truthful with immigration officers, and consider waiting until the process is closer to completion.

Each situation is unique – we can advise on the risks and best approach for visits.
The interview process depends on whether you’re adjusting status in the U.S. or going through consular processing:

USCIS Interview (in U.S.):
  • Review of forms and documents
  • Questions about relationship history and timeline
  • For marriages: questions about shared life, living arrangements, finances
  • Oath administration regarding truthfulness
  • Decision often given same day or by mail
Consular Interview (abroad):
  • Document review and biometrics
  • Questions under oath about eligibility
  • Medical exam results review
  • Decision usually given immediately
We thoroughly prepare you with mock interviews and document organization.