Family-Based Green Card

The family-based green card process involves several stages that ensure your relative qualifies for permanent residence in the United States. While the exact steps can vary depending on whether your family member is inside or outside the U.S., the general process includes:

Step 1: File the Petition for a Relative (Form I-130)

Form I-130 is called the Petition for Alien Relative. Filing this form tells the U.S. government:

• Who you are sponsoring
• How you are related
• That you want to bring your relative to the U.S.

Documents you may need for the I-130:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (passport, birth certificate, or green card).
• Proof of relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificate, adoption records).
• Passport photos.
• Previous divorce or death certificates if applicable.

As your family-based green card lawyer, we:

• Prepare and review all documents
• Make sure everything meets U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements.
• Submit the petition correctly to reduce errors.

Step 2: USCIS Review

After filing, USCIS reviews the petition. Possible outcomes:

• Approval – the case moves to the next stage (either Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing)
• Request for Evidence (RFE) – USCIS asks for missing information or documents
• Denial – sometimes due to incomplete forms or eligibility issues

We review all USCIS requests and respond correctly to avoid delays.

Step 3: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

Once the I-130 petition is approved, the next step depends on where the family member lives:

• Adjustment of Status (AOS) – used if the family member is already in the U.S. This allows them to apply for the green card without leaving the country.

See our info on adjustment of status for more details.

• Consular Processing – used if the family member is outside the U.S. The green card is processed through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

See our info on consular processing for more details.

We help determine which path applies and guide you through the required steps.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Forms and Documents

Depending on the situation, additional forms may be required:

• Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support (shows you can financially support your family member).
• DS-260 – Online Immigrant Visa Application (for consular processing)
• Civil documents – birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, police clearances.
• Financial documents – tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements

We carefully review each document for completeness and accuracy, because missing or incorrect documents are the most common cause of delays.

Step 5: Medical Examination

All family members must complete a medical exam with a physician approved by USCIS or the U.S. embassy. This ensures they meet health requirements. We provide:

• The list of authorized clinics.
• Required vaccinations.
• Instructions on what to bring.
• An explanation of what happens during the exam.

Step 6: Green Card Interview

Every applicant attends an interview:

• USCIS interview (if inside the U.S.)
• Consular interview (if outside the U.S.).

During the interview, an officer will:

• Review all submitted documents.
• Ask questions about the relationship and eligibility.

We prepare your family member by:

• Reviewing common questions
• Organizing the documents for the interview
• Explaining how to answer clearly and accurately

Step 7: Green Card Issuance

If the application is approved:

• Inside the U.S. – the green card is mailed to the applicant’s U.S. address.
• Outside the U.S. – the applicant receives an immigrant visa in their passport, which allows them to travel to the U.S., and the green card is mailed after entry.