Hire a Family-Based Green Card Attorney in Los Angeles

Family-based petitions are divided into two categories: immediate relatives and non-immediate relatives.

Immediate Relatives

Immediate relatives include:

• A spouse of a U.S. citizen (IR1)
• Unmarried children under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen (IR2)
• Parents of a U.S. citizen if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older (IR5)

Non-Immediate Relatives

Non-immediate relatives include:

• Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (F1)
• Spouses and children of permanent residents (F2A)
• Unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents (F2B)
• Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (F3)
• Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (F3)

Immediate relatives do not need to wait for a visa to become available to them after their Form I-130 is approved before applying for a green card. Non-immediate relatives must wait until the priority date of their approved Form I-130 becomes current before they can apply for their green card. Immediate relative petitions do not allow for derivative beneficiaries, whereas non-immediate relative petitions do.

Understanding Priority Dates For non-immediate relatives, understanding the priority date is crucial. The priority date is the date when the Form I-130 was filed. Once the priority date becomes current, the applicant can move forward with their green card application. Contact us to assist you with determining whether you qualify for an immediate or non-immediate relative petition and whether you can obtain a green card through the family.

Derivative Beneficiaries

Non-immediate relative petitions allow for derivative beneficiaries. This means that the spouse and children of the primary beneficiary can also immigrate without filing separate petitions.

Working with a Family-Based Green Card Attorney in Los Angeles

Navigating the complexities of family-based petitions can be challenging. Working with a family-based green card lawyer in Los Angeles or a family green card lawyer Los Angeles ensures that you have the expert guidance needed throughout the process.

Why Choose Our Services

We offer comprehensive assistance with both immediate and non-immediate relative petitions. Our team includes experienced family-based green card attorneys Los Angeles professionals who understand the intricacies of immigration law.

Key Differences to Remember

• Immediate relatives have no visa wait times after I-130 approval.
• Non-immediate relatives must wait for their priority date to be current.
• Immediate petitions do not allow derivative beneficiaries, while non-immediate petitions do.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Missing Documentation: Ensuring all necessary documents are included is critical. Our attorneys help you gather and submit complete documentation.

Understanding Eligibility: Determining whether you qualify as an immediate or non-immediate relative can be complex. We provide clarity and guidance on your specific situation.

Understanding the nuances between immediate and non-immediate relative petitions is essential for a successful family-based green card application. Contact us today to consult with a family-based green card attorney Los Angeles and start your journey toward obtaining a green card through family sponsorship.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between immediate and non-immediate relative petitions?
   • Immediate relatives do not have to wait for a visa to become available after I-130 approval, whereas non-immediate relatives must wait for their priority date to be current.
2. Can immediate relatives have derivative beneficiaries?
   • No, immediate relative petitions do not allow for derivative beneficiaries, but non-immediate relative petitions do.
3. What is a priority date?
   • A priority date is the date when the Form I-130 was filed. For non-immediate relatives, the green card application can proceed once the priority date is current.
4. Why is it important to work with a family-based green card attorney?
   • An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted and eligibility criteria are met.
5. How can I contact a family-based green card attorney in Los Angeles?
   • You can contact us through our website or by calling our office to schedule a consultation with one of our expert attorneys.