№ 01 — family petition
Bring your family closer to home.
For many families, the immigration journey begins with a family petition. Whether you’re petitioning for a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, the process requires careful preparation, accurate documentation, and a strategy tailored to your situation.
For more than two decades, GWP Immigration Law has helped families navigate this process with clarity, honesty, and compassion.
№ 02 — who can file a family petition
Who can sponsor a family member?
Eligibility depends on the immigration status of the person filing. Who you can petition for — and how long it may take — differs for citizens and permanent residents.
Petitioner status
U.S. Citizens
may petition for:
- Mother
- Father
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried sons and daughters over 21
- Married sons and daughters
- Brothers and sisters
Petitioner status
Lawful Permanent Residents
may petition for:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried sons and daughters over 21
Eligibility and waiting periods vary depending on the family relationship and current immigration laws. We help you understand exactly where your case stands.
№ 03 — how the process works
From petition to approval.
Five clear steps, from confirming eligibility to guiding you through what comes after approval.
I
Evaluate eligibility
We confirm both the petitioner and beneficiary qualify before moving forward.
II
Prepare the petition
We complete Form I-130 and every required immigration document.
III
Gather supporting evidence
Identity documents, relationship evidence, civil records, and certified translations.
IV
Submit to USCIS
We file your petition and monitor the case throughout the review process.
V
Decision & next steps
Once approved, we guide you through adjustment of status or consular processing.
№ 04 — what you'll need
Preparing the application.
01
Petitioner eligibility
The sponsoring family member must be legally authorized to file the petition.
02
Beneficiary eligibility
The relative must qualify under U.S. immigration law for the relationship claimed.
03
USCIS forms
Form I-130 and any additional forms required for your specific case.
04
Supporting documents
Civil records, identity documents, relationship evidence, and certified translations when necessary.
05
Government fees
Filing fees are established by USCIS and may change over time. We confirm the current amounts for your filing.
06
Photographs
Passport-style photographs when required for the petition or a related filing.
Every family petition is different. The documents and evidence required depend on your relationship and immigration history.
№ 05 — how we help
More than paperwork. A strategy for your family.
Filing the petition correctly the first time reduces delays and unnecessary complications. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
01
Determine the best petition strategy for your family.
02
Confirm eligibility before anything is filed.
03
Prepare every USCIS form accurately.
04
Organize evidence that clearly demonstrates your relationship.
05
Translate required documents to USCIS standards.
06
Monitor the case until USCIS reaches a decision.
№ 06 — frequently asked questions
Questions we hear often.
Q.
How long does a family petition take?
A.
Timelines vary widely depending on the family relationship, the petitioner’s status, and current USCIS processing and visa availability. Some categories move faster than others. We review your specific case and give you a realistic picture of what to expect — without making promises no attorney can honestly make.
Q.
Can a permanent resident petition for parents?
A.
No. Under current law, lawful permanent residents may petition for a spouse and unmarried children, but not for parents. Petitioning for a parent generally requires that the petitioner be a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old. We can help you understand the path toward that option.
Q.
Do I need to live in the United States to file?
A.
A petitioner generally must be able to establish U.S. domicile, but the beneficiary is often abroad during the process — that is exactly what consular processing is designed for. The right approach depends on where each person lives and their circumstances, which we assess together.
Q.
Can I petition for a sibling?
A.
Yes — U.S. citizens who are at least 21 may petition for brothers and sisters. This category typically involves longer waiting periods than immediate-relative categories, and we explain what that means for your timeline before you file.
Q.
What happens after the I-130 is approved?
A.
Approval of the I-130 establishes the qualifying relationship — it is an important step, but usually not the last one. Depending on the case, the next stage is adjustment of status within the U.S. or consular processing abroad. We guide you through whichever path applies.
Q.
Can GWP handle the entire process?
A.
Yes. We can manage your case from the initial eligibility assessment through the petition and the stages that follow. You have one experienced team beside you the whole way, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Every story starts with someone you love —
Families belong together.
Every immigration story begins with someone wanting to be close to the people they love. Whether you’re filing your first family petition or trying to understand your options, we’re here to guide you through every step with clarity and experience.
Or call (702) 737-7717