Los Angeles Family Immigration Lawyer: Helping Families Stay Together
Immigration can be overwhelming. And that’s particularly true when it comes to the future of your entire family.
Longing to bring a loved one to the United States? Facing delays in adjusting their status when they are already in the country?
Whatever your case is, the right legal support can make all the difference: not only helping with the documentation but also boosting your peace of mind because you’re doing everything possible for your family.
Why Work With A Family Immigration Attorney In Los Angeles?
Family immigration law includes complex rules, changing timelines, and extensive paperwork, which can be a big challenge if you’re handling everything alone.
An experienced local attorney won’t just help with the paperwork. They’ll break down confusing policies into clear steps and help you avoid common pitfalls that hold back many Los Angeles families from getting and staying together in the U.S.
In addition, a trusted lawyer will communicate with USCIS or consular offices on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and track the progress of your case, giving you frequent updates.
That means fewer headaches, less waiting, and no unpleasant surprises.
Los Angeles By The Numbers: Family Immigration Trends
- About 4.4 million, or roughly one in three people in the Los Angeles metro area, are immigrants.
- 4.1 million children in California have at least one immigrant parent. About 1.6 million of them live in the Los Angeles metro area.
- 92% of children in the Los Angeles area with at least one immigrant parent are U.S. citizens, as they were born in the United States and obtained citizenship by birthright.
Common Family-Based Immigration Paths In Los Angeles
Depending on whether your loved one is here or abroad, and whether you’re a U.S. citizen or have a Green Card, you may follow different routes.
We’ll help you choose the path that works best for your family’s situation.
Immediate Relatives
U.S. citizens can petition for their spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21. Because there’s no annual limit on these visas, they usually move faster than others, meaning you’ll soon be here with your loved ones.
Family Preference Categories
Green Card holders can sponsor certain relatives, but these sponsorships are subject to visa quotas, which means longer wait times depending on the category and country of origin.
Family preference categories apply to U.S. citizens as well when they want to sponsor family members beyond immediate relatives.
Here are the main preference categories:
- F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of Green Card holders
- F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of Green Card holders
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens
Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1)
If you are a U.S. citizen engaged to someone abroad, you can bring them to the U.S. on a K-1 visa, which allows them to enter the country to marry within 90 days and then apply for a Green Card.
Adjustment of Status
If your relative is already in the U.S., they may be able to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
What Does A Los Angeles Family Immigration Lawyer Do?
Are you helping your spouse adjust their status here in the U.S.? Or trying to bring your parents from abroad? Your attorney’s role depends on your family’s situation. It can include:
- Petitioning for a spouse, child, parent, or sibling
- Adjusting status to permanent residence for a family member who’s already in the U.S.
- Preparing for a Green Card marriage interview
- Responding to delays, denials, or requests for evidence (RFEs)
- Filing a K-1 visa for a fiancé(e)
Los Angeles family immigration attorneys have knowledge and experience with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) procedures, consular processing, and the common roadblocks you may encounter.
They’ll keep your case moving, ensuring accurate completion of documents, submission to the right address, and monitoring of each stage of the process.
What If My Case Has Been Denied Or Delayed?
If USCIS delays your case or issues a denial, don’t get desperate. Many delays or rejections occur due to small errors, missing documents, or misunderstandings, all of which can be fixed with skilled legal help.
The experienced Los Angeles family immigration lawyers at Spar & Bernstein will review the reason for the denial and define the best way to move forward.
Helping Families in Los Angeles With the Immigration Process With Care and Experience
We understand how important your family is. That’s why we are by your side every step of the way, from filing your initial petition to your Green Card visa interview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Immigration In Los Angeles
Who Can Sponsor A Family Member For Immigration In Los Angeles?
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor family members, depending on their immigration status. While both groups can petition for spouses and children under 21 years old, U.S. citizens also have the right to sponsor parents and siblings.
What Is The Difference Between Immediate Relatives And Preference Categories?
Immediate relatives, such as spouses and parents of U.S. citizens, have no visa cap. Preference categories are subject to annual limits and must wait for a visa to become available in the right category.
How Long Does The Family Immigration Process Take?
Processing time for family immigration cases can vary depending on the relationship with the sponsor, visa category, and country of origin. Check Form I-130 processing times for various categories.
Can I Sponsor My Fiancé(e)?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can file for a K-1 visa. You’ll have 90 days to marry after they arrive.
What Happens After My Fiancé(e) Arrives In The US?
You must marry within 90 days, after which your spouse can apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status.
Can My Spouse Apply For A Green Card Without Leaving The US?
Yes. If your spouse is already in the United States, they might not need to travel back. They can apply for a Green Card right here in the United States.
What Can I Do If My Petition Is Denied?
If your family immigration petition is denied, talk to our attorneys in Los Angeles. We’ve helped hundreds of people like you by following various legal paths, from appealing the decision to filing a motion to reopen or reconsider and submitting a new petition.
Can Undocumented Immigrants Apply For Family Immigration?
If you’re undocumented, you may still be eligible to apply for family immigration depending on how you entered the U.S., your immigration history, and your relationships.
Do I Need An Immigration Lawyer To File A Family Petition?
Technically, no. But immigration law is full of challenges, and small mistakes can mean months of delay or a denied petition. A seasoned lawyer will help you avoid these traps and move your case forward.
How Much Does It Cost To File A Family Petition?
Filing fees vary based on the document you’re submitting. Legal fees are separate. They depend on the complexity of your case and the law firm you’re working with.
Can I Sponsor Family Members If I Have A Green Card?
Yes, as a Green Card holder, you can sponsor your spouse and unmarried children to join you in the U.S.
Can I Sponsor My Sibling For A Green Card?
Only U.S. citizens age 21 and older may sponsor siblings. Note that wait times can be lengthy as they must wait for a visa to become available in their category.
What Is A Joint Sponsor?
A joint sponsor is a person who agrees to financially support the immigrant if the main sponsor doesn’t meet income requirements.
What Documents Do I Need To Support A Family Petition?
Typical documents to go with a family petition include proof of relationship, sponsor’s immigration status, tax returns, and financial affidavits.
How Can I Prove My Marriage Is Real?
To prove that your marriage is real, you can use joint leases, bank accounts, photos, travel records, and sworn affidavits from friends and family.
What Is A Green Card Marriage Interview?
It is an interview with various questions asked by USCIS officials to assess the legitimacy of your marriage-based immigration application.
What Happens If I Miss My USCIS Interview?
Missing an interview without notifying USCIS about the reason can lead to delays or denial of your case. If you have a valid reason, try to reschedule your appointment or ask your lawyer to reschedule it.
Can I Include Children In A Family Petition?
Yes, you can include children as derivative applicants, depending on the visa category and age.
Can I Expedite A Family Immigration Case?
In urgent or humanitarian situations, you may request expedited processing. You should know that it’s entirely up to USCIS whether they approve your request
What If My Loved One Is In Another Country?
If your loved one is in another country, they can go through consular processing, attending a visa interview abroad.
Can A Family-Based Green Card Lead To Citizenship?
Yes, once you have a Green Card for several years and you meet the requirements, you can apply for U.S. citizenship.
How Do I Know Which Forms To File?
The correct forms depend on your relationship, immigration status, and the beneficiary’s location. Ask a lawyer to help you determine the forms you need to file and the address to which you should send them.
Can I Sponsor More Than One Family Member?
Yes, you may file a separate petition for each eligible relative.
Does My Immigration Status Affect The People I Want To Sponsor?
Yes, your ability to sponsor different family members depends on whether you’re a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
Can I Still File A Petition To Sponsor A Family Member If I’m Not Working?
Yes, but you’ll likely need a joint sponsor to meet financial requirements.
Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
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