Bringing a loved one to live in the United States is one of the most meaningful steps you can take. Whether you’re hoping to reunite with your spouse, bring your parents here, or help your child build a future in this country, family immigration offers a legal path forward. At Yaqubie Law, we help families across Long Island and New York take that step with care and confidence.
If you’re looking to sponsor a relative for a green card, we can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Who Can You Sponsor for a Green Card?
U.S. immigration law allows certain family members to be sponsored by either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Who you can petition for depends on your own immigration status.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can petition for:
- Your spouse
- Your children, whether they are married or unmarried
- Your parents (if you are over 21)
- Your siblings (if you are over 21)
If you are a green card holder, you can petition for:
- Your spouse
- Your unmarried children
Each of these categories comes with different processing times and visa availability. In some cases, there may be long waits. We’ll help you understand what’s possible and how to move forward.
Immediate Relatives vs. Family Preference Categories
It’s important to know that immigration law treats certain family members differently.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not have to wait for a visa number. These include:
- Spouses
- Unmarried children under 21
- Parents of U.S. citizens over 21
Other relatives fall under the family preference system, which limits the number of visas available each year. These include:
- Adult children (married or unmarried)
- Siblings
- Spouses and children of green card holders
Because of the annual cap, family preference categories often involve longer wait times. We’ll go over what that might look like for your family and help you plan accordingly.
How the Process Works
Family immigration typically begins with the U.S. citizen or permanent resident filing Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative. This form confirms the existence of a valid family relationship.
Once the petition is approved and a visa becomes available, your relative may either:
- Apply for adjustment of status if they are already in the U.S., or
- Go through consular processing if they are living abroad
The steps may vary depending on where your relative is and what category they fall under. In either case, we help ensure the paperwork is complete and the timing is right. Missing documents or errors can lead to delays or denials, so getting it right the first time matters.
Common Challenges in Family Immigration
Immigration is not always straightforward. Even simple petitions can run into roadblocks. Here are some issues that may arise:
- Long delays due to visa backlogs in certain categories
- Denials based on incomplete documentation or eligibility questions
- Petitions being returned for correction
- Requests for more evidence that slow down the process
Sometimes, an application is randomly selected for additional review, known as an audit. Other times, past immigration violations or legal issues may complicate the process. Whatever comes up, we’ll work with you to find a way through. We also assist with waivers, motions to reopen, and appeal options when needed.
Why Work With Yaqubie Law
At Yaqubie Law, we understand how much it means to bring your loved ones here and build a life together. Our team is committed to providing clear answers, honest advice, and steady support throughout the process.
We’ve worked with families in Garden City, Queens, and across Long Island. Whether your case is complex or straightforward, we’ll give it the attention it deserves. When you work with us, you’ll know exactly where things stand and what to expect at each step.
Contact an Experienced Garden City Family Immigration Attorney
If you’re ready to sponsor a family member, don’t wait. Immigration can be a time-consuming process, and every day counts. At Yaqubie Law, we’ll help you understand your options and take the next steps with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to reunite your family and build a future here in New York.