Bringing Families Together Through Immigration
One of the most important steps in family-based immigration is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the family relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) and the relative they wish to sponsor for a green card.
At Abogados Karlin, we understand that this first step is critical. Mistakes or missing documents can lead to long delays, denials, or even lost opportunities. Our bilingual team has more than 40 years of experience helping families file successful I-130 petitions and move forward toward reunification.
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Ready to File Your I-130 Petition? Let’s Reunite Your Family.
Reuniting with your loved ones starts with the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. At Abogados Karlin, we ensure your petition is filed correctly, supported with strong evidence, and handled with care. With 40+ years of experience, our bilingual team will guide you every step toward bringing your family together.
What Is the I-130 Petition?
The I-130 Petition is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by a U.S. citizen or LPR. Its purpose is to prove the qualifying family relationship between the petitioner and their foreign relative.
Once approved, the I-130 allows the relative to begin the process of applying for lawful permanent residency (a green card), either through:
- Adjustment of Status (if already in the U.S.)
- Consular Processing (if outside the U.S.)
Who Can File Form I-130?
- U.S. citizens can file for:
- Spouses
- Parents (if the petitioner is over 21)
- Children (married or unmarried)
- Siblings (if the petitioner is over 21)
- Lawful permanent residents can file for:
- Spouses
- Unmarried children (of any age)
Each relationship falls into an immigration category, which impacts how long the process takes. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) do not face visa quotas, while preference categories do.
The I-130 Petition Process
- Prepare and File Form I-130
- Submit the form with USCIS.
- Include proof of citizenship or permanent residency, proof of family relationship, and passport-style photos.
- Receipt & Review
- USCIS issues a receipt notice confirming the petition is under review.
- Request for Evidence (if needed)
- USCIS may ask for additional documentation to strengthen the case.
- Approval or Denial
- If approved, the case moves forward to either Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing.
- If denied, you may reapply or appeal with stronger evidence.
- Next Steps After Approval
- If the relative is in the U.S.: file Form I-485 (green card application).
- If the relative is abroad: the case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing.
Documents Commonly Required
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (passport, naturalization certificate, green card).
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates, adoption papers).
- Joint evidence for spouses (photos, financial records, lease agreements).
- Passport-style photos of both petitioner and beneficiary.
- Prior immigration records, if applicable.
Experienced Legal Help, Delivered with Care and Commitment.
How Abogados Karlin Can Help You
- Accurate Filings – Ensure all USCIS forms are properly completed.
- Strong Evidence – Gather and organize proof of your family relationship.
- Timeline Guidance – Explain how long the process may take in your category.
- Handling Complications – Respond to RFEs, address denials, or navigate complex cases.
- Support from Start to Finish – Guide you from petition to green card approval.
Why Choose Abogados Karlin
- Over 40 years of experience in family-based immigration.
- A family-owned, bilingual law firm dedicated to keeping families together.
- Knowledgeable about both USCIS and consular processes.
- Compassionate, clear guidance throughout the immigration journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an I-130 petition?
It’s the first step in family-based immigration, proving the family relationship between a U.S. citizen/LPR and their relative abroad or in the U.S.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the relationship. Immediate relatives may be processed faster, while preference categories can face longer waits due to visa backlogs.
Can I file if my relative lives outside the U.S.?
Yes. You file with USCIS, and the case is later processed through the U.S. consulate or embassy in your relative’s home country.
What documents do I need?
Proof of citizenship or permanent residency, proof of relationship, photos, and prior immigration documents if applicable.
What happens if my petition is denied?
You may reapply with stronger evidence or appeal the decision. An immigration attorney can help identify why the denial occurred and how to fix it.
Take the First Step Toward Reuniting Your Family
Filing an I-130 petition is the foundation of the family immigration process. At Abogados Karlin, we’ll guide you through every step to make sure your case is strong from the start.
Call us today at (888) 365-1555 or complete our online form for a free consultation.
