Family Immigration in Long Beach

Immediate relatives and family preference categories

Immediate relatives generally include a U.S. citizen’s spouse, unmarried child under 21, and parent if the citizen is at least 21. These categories are not subject to the annual numerical limits that apply to family preference categories. Other eligibility rules still matter.

Family preference categories cover other qualifying relationships, including certain relatives of permanent residents. Visa availability depends on the category, priority date, and applicable country limits. A petition may be approved before a visa becomes available. Tell your attorney about a marriage, birthday, or change in citizenship that could affect the category.

Applying inside the United States or through a consulate

Adjustment of status uses Form I-485 to request permanent residence from inside the United States when you qualify. Your entry, status history, visa availability, and other factors affect whether this route is possible. Marriage to a citizen does not automatically resolve an entry without inspection or every immigration violation.

Consular processing generally involves the National Visa Center (NVC), financial and civil documents, and an immigrant visa interview abroad. Leaving the country can trigger serious consequences for some applicants. Get advice before travel, not after buying a ticket. Learn more about green cards and citizenship as you consider the larger plan.

When an I-601A provisional waiver may help

Some spouses and children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents may qualify for an I-601A provisional unlawful-presence waiver before leaving for an immigrant visa interview. The waiver requires showing extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent. A child’s hardship alone does not establish the required qualifying relationship.

The I-601A addresses certain unlawful-presence grounds only. It does not erase a deportation order, forgive every ground of inadmissibility, or provide lawful status. Prior removal and reentry can raise separate barriers. If removal is involved, review your options for deportation defense before deciding how to proceed.

How we approach your family petition

1. 1

   Review the full history

   We discuss your relationship, entries, departures, prior applications, and any arrests or court proceedings. Bring available notices, even if you do not understand them.

2. 2

   Identify the possible route

   We assess the petition category and whether adjustment or consular processing may fit. We also discuss issues that require more records or research.

3. 3

   Organize supporting evidence

   We explain which relationship records, financial documents, translations, and other evidence may be needed. For marriages, evidence should reflect your actual life together.

4. 4

   Prepare for the next stage

   Depending on your case, we help prepare the petition, waiver, or residence application and explain what a government request or interview may involve.

5. 5

   Keep the plan current

   Tell us about address changes, new notices, travel plans, or changes in your family. These developments may affect the next step.

Support for your family’s next chapter

We look at the entire process, not just the first form. Juliana explains risks in English or Spanish and works with clients in person, by phone, and by video. A $60 consultation gives you space to discuss your situation. Payment plans are available.

You can also ask about work permits. A family petition alone does not authorize employment; eligibility depends on a separate legal basis. Before filing, we help you understand which steps may apply and which documents deserve closer review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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