Family-Based Visas
Helping Families Reunite and Build a Future Together
United States immigration law allows citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor family members to live and work in the United States. At Yohana Valdez Law, we help clients understand and navigate the family-based immigration process with care, clarity, and a focus on long-term success.
Whether you're planning a life with your spouse, reuniting with your children, or helping a parent join you in the U.S., we’re here to guide you through the process.
Common Family-Based Immigration Services We Provide
Marriage-Based Green Cards
We assist both U.S. citizens and permanent residents in sponsoring their spouses for lawful permanent residency (a green card). We help determine the best process — either Adjustment of Status (for spouses already in the U.S.) or Consular Processing (for those abroad) — and prepare the necessary documentation to present a clear and complete case.
Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1 Visa)
If you're engaged to a foreign national and plan to marry in the U.S., we can help you petition for a K-1 visa. We guide couples through this multi-step process and help prepare for the visa interview and subsequent adjustment to permanent residence after marriage.
Petitions for Children and Parents
We help U.S. citizens petition for:
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Minor or adult children (married or unmarried)
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Parents (if the petitioner is over age 21)
We also assist lawful permanent residents in petitioning for:
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Unmarried children under age 21
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Unmarried adult children
What to Expect
Family-based immigration is personal — and every case is different. At Yohana Valdez Law, we offer individualized attention and ensure each client:
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Understands the timeline and steps of the process
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Knows what documents are needed
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Is fully prepared for interviews and communication with USCIS
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Feels confident about their case and future
We also communicate clearly with family members in both English and Spanish to ensure everyone feels supported throughout the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings (though sibling petitions take longer). Lawful permanent residents can sponsor spouses and unmarried children. We’ll help you determine which category applies to your family member.
It depends on your situation. If your fiancé(e) is outside the U.S. and you plan to marry in the U.S., a K-1 fiancé(e) visa may be right. If you’re already married, or your partner is already in the U.S., a marriage-based green card may be the better path. We can explain the pros and cons of each during a consultation.
Timelines vary depending on the type of petition, whether your family member is inside or outside the U.S., and how quickly USCIS is processing cases. We’ll provide a realistic estimate based on your unique situation.
In most family-based immigration cases, yes — USCIS will schedule an in-person interview to confirm the validity of the relationship. We’ll help you prepare thoroughly so you feel confident on the day of the interview.
Typical documents include proof of identity, relationship evidence (marriage certificates, photos, shared financials), immigration history, and proof of U.S. status for the petitioner. We’ll give you a detailed checklist tailored to your case.
If you apply for Adjustment of Status in the U.S., you can also apply for a work permit (EAD) while your green card is pending. We can file that as part of your application package.
We work hard to avoid that outcome by building a strong and accurate application from the start. If your petition is denied, we’ll help you understand why and advise you on your next steps.
Green Card Renewals & Conditional Residence FAQs
If your marriage was less than two years old at the time your green card was approved, you’ll receive a conditional green card that’s valid for two years. Before it expires, you must file a petition to remove conditions and prove the marriage is genuine.
You’ll need to file Form I-751 during the 90-day window before your conditional green card expires. This can be filed jointly with your spouse or, in some cases, with a waiver. We help clients build strong filings with updated evidence of their relationship.
Failing to file on time can result in loss of status and possible removal proceedings. If you’ve missed the deadline, contact us immediately — you may still have options.
Yes. If your green card has expired or is about to expire, you can apply to renew it by filing Form I-90. We assist with this process and help troubleshoot any issues with lost cards, incorrect information, or documentation.
It depends. If you’re eligible for naturalization, you may be able to apply directly without renewing your green card — but it’s important to consult a lawyer first. We’ll help you decide the best course of action based on your timeline and eligibility.