Atlanta Family Immigration Lawyer

Yes. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can petition to bring your parents to the United States. Because parents are considered immediate relatives, their cases are not subject to annual visa limits, which usually speeds up processing.

If your family member lives outside the U.S., their Green Card case will be handled through consular processing. This means that after USCIS approves your petition, the case will be transferred to the National Visa Center and then forwarded to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the relative’s home country. Your loved one will need to file Form DS-260 and attend a consular interview.

Yes, stepchildren may qualify as long as your marriage happened before the child turned 18. These cases require extra care to prove the family connection. That’s why we recommend working with an immigration lawyer. An Atlanta family immigration lawyer can help gather marriage certificates and custody documents that support your petition.

The K-1 fiancé visa allows a foreign fiancé to enter the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen within 90 days, after which they can file an adjustment of status application for a Green Card. A marriage-based Green Card can be filed if you are already married, regardless of whether your spouse is in the U.S. or abroad. For more insights, check out our detailed article about fiancé visas vs. spouse visas.

U.S. citizens can file petitions for their brothers and sisters under the F4 family preference category. However, this category has long wait times, sometimes many years, depending on the sibling’s country of birth.

Most family-based immigration petitions require the Sponsor to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, showing that they can financially support the immigrant so they don’t become a public charge. This usually involves submitting tax returns, pay stubs, or employment verification. If your income is not sufficient, you can ask a joint sponsor to submit I-864 as well.

U.S. citizens and Green Card holders may have the right to petition for adopted children if the adoption happened before the child turned 16. Plus, there are residency and custody requirements. Every adoption story is different, and so is the immigration process that follows. If you’re navigating international rules or complex family histories, our team at Spar & Bernstein will break it down and help you build the strongest case possible.

Delays are common in family-based immigration cases. The reasons can be different, from background checks to missing documents and backlogs at the USCIS Atlanta Field Office. If your case is stuck, an attorney can file inquiries, submit additional evidence, or even take legal action to make responsible agencies act on your case.

In certain cases, you may be eligible to seek immigration options. You must provide evidence your marriage was bona fide and file the petition within a specific timeframe. These cases can be emotionally and legally complex, so an Atlanta family immigration lawyer can be of great support.

Humanitarian parole is a temporary option that may allow relatives abroad to enter the U.S. for urgent reasons such as medical treatment or family emergencies. This is possible only in rare circumstances. If your family faces extraordinary hardship, Spar & Bernstein can look into your case and explain the possible steps.

The purpose of marriage Green Card interviews is to confirm the marriage is real. You’ll have to answer various questions about your daily routines, family history, or financial matters. We can help you prepare by holding mock interview sessions. We’ll also make sure you bring the correct documentation to avoid delays or suspicion.

Yes. If USCIS denies your petition, you may be able to appeal the decision or submit a new petition with stronger evidence. Common reasons for denial include missing documents, insufficient proof of the family relationship, and errors in the forms.

While it is possible to file a petition on your own, a family immigration lawyer will ensure that your case is handled with precision, giving you peace of mind and a greater chance of success.

USCIS often asks for additional information if they believe an application is missing documents or proof of a relationship. Our Atlanta family immigration attorneys will review the request for evidence carefully, gather the strongest possible supporting information, and respond quickly to keep your case moving.