Family Petitions

Learn what to do if you need a family-sponsored petition or to apply for family-sponsored status.

Coming to the States alone can be difficult, but coming with family can be even more complicated. Let us help you and your loved ones from our Brownsville immigration law firm!

What is a spousal visa?

If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder in the United States and want your foreign spouse to reside here, you must apply for a spousal visa. You must also apply for a spousal visa before applying for permanent residency (green card) and citizenship. This process is often difficult, complex, and lengthy, so it is essential to have an experienced immigration attorney to help you.

Who can submit a family-sponsored visa application?

U.S. citizens, and sometimes green card holders, can submit petitions for their immediate family members to obtain a green card. Please remember that priority is given to applications submitted by a U.S. citizen and preference for applications for spouses and minors.

The following family members are eligible for family-sponsored petitions:

  • Children under the age of 21

  • Spouses

  • Adult children and grandchildren

  • Parents and siblings (and their spouses and children) when the petitioner is 21 years old or older.

What is the process for applying for a family-sponsored visa?

Applying for a family-sponsored visa can take quite a bit of time (10-13 months, but sometimes longer) and requires several steps and documents.

As a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you must provide proof of your citizenship or permanent residency and fill out the required forms. You will also need proof of your relationship with the family member you are applying for, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, family photos, proof of name changes, etc., sufficient to prove evidence of the relation.

The process from beginning to end is quite complicated. Still, with a qualified and experienced immigration law firm on your side, the process is much less confusing and less prone to mistakes that could cause your application to be rejected. Diez & Crane immigration attorneys have decades of experience helping clients through this process, so contact our team! We're in the Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville, Texas.