I-130 Family Petition Lawyer

Find the right family category before filing

Form I-130 is the family relationship petition. The petitioner’s citizenship or permanent resident status, the relationship, and the beneficiary’s age and marital status can affect the category. An important first step is identifying who qualifies.

• U.S. citizens may petition for a spouse, unmarried children, and unmarried or married sons and daughters, subject to the applicable requirements.
• A U.S. citizen must be at least 21 to petition for a parent or sibling.
• Lawful permanent residents may petition for a spouse and unmarried children or unmarried sons and daughters. They cannot petition for parents, siblings, or married sons or daughters.

If your family includes stepchildren, adopted children, prior marriages, or changes in marital status, bring those facts forward at the beginning. We review the legal relationship and the documents before recommending a filing approach.

Separate the relationship petition from the green card process

Form I-130 asks USCIS to recognize a qualifying family relationship. Filing or approval does not give your relative lawful immigration status, a green card, or permission to work. The next immigration application has its own requirements.

A relative outside the United States may pursue an immigrant visa through consular processing. A relative already here may be able to apply for adjustment of status if eligible. Location alone does not decide eligibility, and an approved petition does not resolve every issue in a person’s immigration history.

Visa availability also matters. Some family categories are subject to numerical limits. We explain the petition’s role in your case and identify the separate steps needed for the route that applies.

Build a clear record of your family relationship

The supporting documents should establish who you are, your qualifying status, and how you are related. Depending on the case, the record may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of citizenship or permanent residence, and records ending previous marriages.

For a spouse petition, we also review evidence of a genuine marriage. Shared financial records, residence records, insurance, photographs, and other documents may help explain your life together. We tailor the evidence request to your circumstances rather than assuming every couple has the same records.

Tell us about inconsistent names, missing civil records, translation needs, or differences among earlier applications. We help identify what requires clarification so the petition presents a truthful, consistent history.

What I-130 representation can include

We agree on the scope of representation before work begins. Depending on your engagement, our assistance can include:

• Reviewing the petitioner’s status and the claimed family relationship.
• Preparing the applicable petition forms and organizing the supporting evidence.
• Providing a tailored document checklist and reviewing the materials you submit.
• Identifying inconsistencies, missing records, and issues needing closer legal review.
• Reviewing USCIS notices and preparing responses to requests for additional evidence within the agreed scope.
• Explaining the handoff to consular processing or adjustment of status and whether further representation is needed.

Bring prior filings and notices to the consultation, including any denial or pending petition. Early review helps us identify questions that need attention before another submission.

Keep your petition aligned with your family’s circumstances

A move, marriage, divorce, naturalization, or other family change may affect the next steps. Let us know promptly rather than assuming the original filing plan still fits. We can review the effect on your category and the information USCIS needs.

An I-130 case also requires attention after filing. Keep copies of submissions and notices, respond to document requests within the stated deadlines, and tell counsel about new communications. We explain the follow-up included in your engagement and what you need to provide.