Family-Based Immigration Services

Keeping Families Together

One of the most important aspects of U.S. immigration law is the ability for families to reunite and remain together. Through family-based immigration, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor certain relatives for permanent residence in the United States.

At Agarwal Law Group, we are proud to help families navigate this process with compassion, care, and precision.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?

U.S. Citizens may sponsor:

• Spouse
• Children (unmarried under 21, unmarried over 21, or married children of any age)
• Parents (if the citizen is over 21)
• Siblings (if the citizen is over 21)

Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) may sponsor:

• Spouse
• Unmarried children under 21
• Unmarried sons and daughters over 21

Family-Based Immigration Pathways

There are two main ways that family members apply for green cards, depending on whether they are inside or outside the United States:

Adjustment of Status (For Relatives Already in the U.S.)

• Eligible family members already present in the U.S. may apply for permanent residence without leaving the country.
• The U.S. citizen or permanent resident files a petition (Form I-130). Once approved, the relative may file for adjustment of status (Form I-485).
• Applicants may receive work authorization and travel authorization while their case is pending.

Consular Processing (For Relatives Abroad)

• If the family member is living outside the U.S., the petition is filed with USCIS and forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
• The relative completes the visa process at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.
• Once the immigrant visa is approved, the family member can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas

The K-1 visa allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of marriage. This process is separate from family-based green card sponsorship and is designed for couples who plan to marry in the U.S.

Who is Eligible for a K-1 Visa?

• The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen (lawful permanent residents cannot petition for a fiancé(e)).
• Both partners must be legally free to marry.
• The couple must have met in person within the last two years (with limited exceptions).
• The marriage must take place within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival in the U.S.

K-1 Visa Process

1. Petition Filing – The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS.
2. Consular Interview – Once approved, the fiancé(e) applies for the visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
3. Entry to the U.S. – The fiancé(e) enters the U.S. with the K-1 visa.
4. Marriage & Adjustment of Status – The couple must marry within 90 days. After marriage, the foreign spouse applies for adjustment of status to obtain a green card.

Why Choose Agarwal Law Group?

Family-based immigration cases require careful attention to eligibility, timing, and documentation. At Agarwal Law Group, we:

• Guide families through both adjustment of status and consular processing
• Prepare strong petitions and affidavits of support to avoid delays or denials
• Handle both straightforward and complex cases with the same level of care
• Support families every step of the way — from fiancé(e) visas to green cards to citizenship

📞 Contact Agarwal Law Group today to schedule a consultation with an experienced family-based immigration attorney and begin the process of reuniting with your loved ones.