Family-Based Petitions for a Green Card
Family-based petitions are one of the most important and common ways to obtain lawful permanent residence (a Green Card) in the United States. Through a qualifying family member, it is possible to begin an immigration process that allows you to live and work legally in the U.S. and, eventually, apply for U.S. citizenship.
At De Maio Immigration Law, we have extensive experience representing families in family-based immigration matters, adjustment of status, marriage-based residency, and permanent residence processes within the United States. We serve clients in Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, and nationwide.
How to Obtain Permanent Residency (Green Card)
There are several legal ways to establish permanent residency in the United States, depending on your family, employment, or humanitarian situation. Our firm will comprehensively evaluate your case to identify the safest and most efficient path to a Green Card.
The main categories include:
Family-based residency
Employment-based residency
Asylum-based residency
Permanent Residence Through Family (Family-Based Green Card)
A family-based petition allows a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to apply for permanent residence for certain eligible relatives. This process begins with filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS.
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
Immediate relatives receive priority and are not subject to annual visa limits, which generally results in faster processing.
Immediate relatives include:
Spouse of a U.S. citizen
Unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen
Parent of a U.S. citizen (if the citizen is 21 years of age or older)
Family Preference Categories
Family preference categories apply to relatives who do not qualify as immediate relatives and are subject to annual visa limits, which can result in longer waiting times.
Family Preference Categories include:
First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters over 21 years of age of U.S. citizens, and their minor children
Second Preference (F2):
F2A: Spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents
F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters over 21 years of age of lawful permanent residents
Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, including their spouses and minor children
Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, including their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older
Our team advises you on the correct category, visa availability based on the Visa Bulletin, and whether adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing is the best option.
Family-Based Petitions and Adjustment of Status in the U.S.
In many cases, a family-based petition can be combined with an adjustment of status, allowing the applicant to obtain a Green Card without leaving the United States.
You may qualify if:
You entered the U.S. lawfully or were granted parole
You have an approved petition or are eligible to file concurrently
You are admissible or qualify for an immigration waiver
We assist you with:
Form I-130
Form I-485
Work authorization (Form I-765)
Travel document (Form I-131)
Interview preparation and representation before USCIS
Family-Based Petitions Through Marriage
Permanent residence through marriage is one of the most direct paths to a Green Card, as long as the marriage is genuine and entered into in good faith.
We represent marriage-based cases involving:
U.S. citizens
Lawful permanent residents
We handle:
Preparing strong marital evidence
Preventing fraud allegations
Representing you at the USCIS interview
Determining whether the Green Card will be conditional (2 years) or permanent (10 years)
We also assist with the removal of conditions (Form I-751).
Permanent Residence Through Employment
Some individuals may qualify for a Green Card through employment, either as an immigrant worker or as an investor.
We evaluate whether your job, professional experience, or investment may allow you to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States, and we coordinate the entire process with employers and immigration authorities.
Permanent Residence by Asylum
If you were admitted or paroled into the United States as an asylee and have resided in the country for at least one year, you may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence.
Why Choose De Maio Immigration Law?
Extensive experience with family-based petitions and Green Cards
Specialists in family immigration
Direct attention from the attorney
Fully bilingual team (Spanish / English)
Nationwide representation
Call us at (786) 232-9120 or contact us via WhatsApp at (786) 440-1670
