Family Immigration

Immigration

Family Immigration

Over a million people are granted permanent residence status (green cards) every year. Of these people, almost two-thirds of the applicants are approved based on a family relationship with a US citizen or a permanent resident.

Learn what type of preference family members receive, and what kind of process to expect if you're marrying a US citizen.

Next: US Citizenship

Legal Guides

How to Make Sense of the Various Family Based Immigrant Categories

Written by attorney Hendrik Pretorius.

What is a Preference Category?. When preparing a family based immigrant (green card) petition for a family member there are various categories in which the family member may fall. The importance in... more
Obtaining a K1 Visa

Written by attorney Shah Peerally.

What is a K-1 Visa and Who Qualifies?. The K-1 visa classification is specifically for finace(e)s of US Citizens seeking admission to the US to get married. To be eligible for a finace(e) visa, 1)... more
How to Get a K-3 Visa for a U.S. Citizen Spouse

Written by attorney Amy Becerra.

Marriage to a U.S. Citizen and I-130 Beneficiary. A K-3 visa applicant must have a valid marriage to a U.S. citizen, be the beneficiary of a pending I-130 immediate relative petition, and seek entry... more
Immigration Options When Marrying a U.S. Citizen

Written by attorney Charles Kuck.

What is the Best Visa Option?. Many people ask us which is the fastest way to bring their loved one to the United States. The options are to marry in the U.S. (Fianc (K-1) or Tourist (B-2) visa) or... more
Basic items to have to file for an Immigration Marriage Petition

Written by attorney Shah Peerally.

Have the proper documents It is not necessary to have an attorney to file for your marriage petition. However, having a good immigration attorney helping you in the process can make the difference... more
What Happens at a Marriage Based, Green Card Interview?

Written by attorney Maria Glinsmann.

What to expect when preparing for a permanent residence interview based on marriage to a US citizen or US green card holder.
Will Immigration Think My Marriage is a Fraud?

Written by attorney Elizabeth Blandon.

There is no magical formula that indicates to an Immigration Officer or an Immigration Judge that a marriage is valid. Each officer makes a determination from the responses to the questions posed at... more