Trusted Lawyer for
Family-Based Immigration
Nationwide Immigration Law Firm in Long Beach and Santa Ana, is expert in US immigration matters. Certified in all states in the US. Helping hundreds of families to reunite in the United States. Let us help you to navigate through the complex system of this immigration journey.
Happy Clients
"I’m very grateful with Jeffrey Caballero and his team of professional’s !
They have made an accompaniment throughout our process and always answer every question and give the best recommendation."
Evelyn Dávila
.png){kind=small}
FREE CONSULTATION
* IF WE BECOME YOUR ATTORNEY *
A phone or virtual consultation fee of $110 ($150 for in-person) is collected before the time of consultation. Your consultation fee will be deducted from your legal services package upon hiring our law firm. A consultation fee will apply only to those who do not retain the law firm for legal services.
SPANISH SPOKEN |
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY IN SPANISH OR ENGLISH
Let's connect! Tell us about your case.
We'll get back to you the soonest possible.
Family-Based Immigration
A foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).
There are 2 types of family-based immigration visas:
Immediate Relative
These visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.
Are you:
-
Spouse of a US citizen (IR1)
-
Unmarried child of a US citizen that is under 21 years old (IR2)
-
Orphan adopted abroad by a US citizen (IR3)
-
Orphan adopted in the US by a US citizen (IR4)
-
Parent of a US citizen that is at least 21 years old (IR5)
Family Preference
These visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year.
​
Are you:
-
Unmarried children of US citizens that are over the age of 21 (F1)
-
Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents (green card holders) under age 21 (F2A)
-
Unmarried adult children of permanent residents (F2B)
-
Married children of US citizens of any age (F3)
2 MAIN
FACTORS
There 2 main questions to ask before you start because these decide which will be the effective route to file your petition.
​
1) The residential status of the petitioner- citizen or permanent residence?
​
2) Is the beneficiary currently in the United States?
-
In the United States (Continue Reading on AOS on this page)
-
Outside of the United States (Please read on Consular Processing)
Form I-485:
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Adjustment of Status (AOS), commonly known as the green card application, is the procedure whereby an eligible foreign individual already residing in the United States can seek permanent residency without the necessity of returning to their home country for visa processing through consular channels. It involves transitioning the legal status of the foreign individual from a temporary (non-immigrant) classification to a permanent (immigrant) one.
​
Typically, to qualify for a family-based adjustment of status within the United States, a foreign individual must have a petition submitted on their behalf by a U.S. citizen (USC) or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) family member, such as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. Certain exceptions apply for self-petitioning individuals falling under categories like Amerasian, Widow(ers), or special immigrants.
​
Furthermore, the beneficiary of the green card application must have entered the United States with inspection, admission, or parole to be eligible for adjustment of status within the country, unless qualifying under 245(I) provisions.
​
Form I-485 is usually filed together with I-130, Petition for Alien Relative from the sponsor.
​
​
Why Need An Experienced Lawyer?
​
Hiring an experienced lawyer for Adjustment of Status (AOS) ensures accurate completion of complex forms, adherence to stringent requirements, and representation in interviews or hearings. They navigate legal intricacies, address potential issues, and increase the likelihood of a successful application, minimizing delays, and avoiding costly mistakes in the process.
​
In some cases, an experienced lawyer could even recommend you change your route for immigration for a better chance of success after assessing your case.
Credit to: USCIS
More Immigration Services
More family-based immigration services and other immigration services
Fiance Visa (K-Visa)
The K1 visa, commonly known as the Fiancé(e) Visa, is intended for foreign nationals engaged to U.S. citizens. It allows the fiancé(e) to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. Before applying for a K1 visa, couples must file a petition (Form I-129F) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Petition I-130, filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is for U.S. citizens or permanent residents to sponsor family members for immigrant visas or green cards. It establishes the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, such as spouses, parents, children, or siblings, to initiate family-based immigration.
Consular Processing
Consular processing is for foreign nationals seeking immigrant visas to enter the United States. It involves applying for a visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Individuals typically file after USCIS approves their immigrant petition (such as Form I-130 or Form I-140) and the National Visa Center (NVC) initiates the process.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. US immigration options for business purposes include the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, both for investors, and the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa for employees of multinational companies transferring to a U.S. office. Each option requires specific investment or business activity criteria.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Filing for US citizenship through naturalization involves completing Form N-400, submitting required documents, attending biometrics and interview appointments, and passing English and civics tests. Eligibility criteria include lawful permanent residency, physical presence, good moral character, and adherence to residency requirements prior to filing.
Deportation & Removal
US removal defense involves filing Form EOIR-42B with the Immigration Court to contest deportation or removal. The process includes presenting evidence, legal arguments, and testimony to challenge the grounds for removal. Individuals may qualify for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status based on eligibility criteria.
Waivers
US immigration waivers include I-601 waivers for unlawful presence or immigration violations, I-601A provisional waivers for immediate relatives of US citizens, I-212 waivers for prior removal or deportation orders, and waivers for certain criminal convictions. Each waiver has specific eligibility criteria and requires demonstrating extreme hardship or other qualifying factors.
Appeals
US immigration appeals involve challenging decisions to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or federal courts for judicial review. Timely action is crucial due to strict deadlines for filing appeals, typically within 30 days of the decision. Appeals are vital for correcting legal errors and preserving immigration status or preventing deportation.
Humanitarian Relief
Humanitarian relief options in US immigration include asylum for those fearing persecution, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for individuals from designated countries facing crisis, U visas for victims of certain crimes, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for survivors of domestic violence. These options provide protection and legal status based on humanitarian grounds.
Read More:
FAQs
Why can't I speak with the attorney directly when I first call?
-
Our attorneys might be busy in court or with other clients during work hours. Please leave your contact details with our firm receptionists and we will make sure the attorney calls you back as soon as they can.
Why do I have to pay for the consultation before knowing if my case can be accepted?
-
Our firm handles many types of immigration cases. You need to pay the consultation fee first, but if you decide to work with us, this fee will be fully credited towards your total service cost. This means you start getting expert advice suited to your needs right from the first meeting.
Why can't the receptionist give me a quote for my case?
-
U.S. immigration laws are very complex, and small details can greatly change the outcome of your case. Our firm receptionists are not attorneys and are not trained to give accurate quotes without an attorney’s review to ensure everything is correct and avoid any confusion.
I have a very urgent case and need help immediately. How can I reach the attorney quickly?
-
For urgent matters, you can book a consultation through our firm receptionists or directly on our website. We give priority to urgent cases and usually respond within 24 hours. Make sure to mention that your case is urgent when you contact us.
Can I book a consultation on behalf of a family member or friend who is not in the U.S.?
-
Yes, you can arrange consultations for others. Please make sure you have all the necessary information about their case and their permission to discuss their personal matters.
What will be covered in the first consultation?
-
The first consultation will gather all the details about your case, discuss your legal options, explain the process and timeline, and give an initial estimate of the costs.
Will all my information given to you be kept confidential?
-
Yes. We keep all your information private and do not share it with anyone without your permission. Your privacy is very important to us.
What payment methods do you accept?
-
We accept various online payments like credit cards and Zelle. If you are an ARAG insurance member, please provide your membership information, and we will help you with billing.
What are the differences between an immigration consultant and an immigration attorney?
-
An immigration consultant assists with paperwork but cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court, as they are not licensed attorneys and do not attend law school. This often means they have less training, which can increase the risk of errors in handling immigration cases. On the other hand, an immigration attorney is licensed to practice law, has attended law school, can offer legal advice, and represents clients in all immigration legal matters.
Let's get to your case
Learn Your Options
Navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system can be overwhelming. Allow me to guide you through this intricate journey, whether you seek to reunite with loved ones or secure your visa and residency.
Don't wait any longer. Have your case assessed now for prompt assistance and a smoother immigration experience.
