№ 01 — family unity

Keeping eligible families together.

Family Unity is a special immigration benefit created to help certain family members remain together while waiting for an immigrant visa to become available.

At GWP Immigration Law, we help eligible families understand their options and prepare renewal applications with care and accuracy.

Call (702) 737-7717

№ 02 — what is family unity?

A benefit created to protect families during the immigration process.

Family Unity was created after the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 to prevent certain families from being separated while waiting for immigrant visas.

Eligible beneficiaries could remain in the United States and receive authorization to work until their immigrant visa became available.

Please note

Today, Family Unity generally remains available only for eligible renewals — rather than new filings.

№ 03 — who may qualify?

Eligibility depends on your existing Family Unity status.

Renewal is for those who already hold the benefit. Three conditions generally point toward continued eligibility.

Existing Family Unity Status

You previously received Family Unity benefits and remain eligible for renewal.

Pending Immigrant Visa

Your underlying immigrant visa petition remains pending and continues to qualify.

Continued Eligibility

You continue to meet the legal requirements established for your Family Unity benefit.

Eligibility depends on your individual immigration history and current federal regulations.

№ 04 — the renewal process

Renewing Family Unity benefits.

Five careful steps, from confirming your renewal is available to continuing your work authorization.

Case Review

We review your immigration history and confirm whether renewal is available.

Document Collection

We gather supporting evidence and required documentation.

III

Application Preparation

We prepare every required immigration form accurately.

Submission

Your renewal request is submitted to USCIS.

Work Authorization

If approved, your benefits and employment authorization continue according to USCIS rules.

№ 05 — how we help

Helping you protect benefits you've already earned.

Renewal applications require careful preparation and complete documentation. Here is what we handle on your behalf.

Review your Family Unity eligibility.

Confirm your immigrant visa remains pending.

Prepare every required USCIS form.

Organize supporting evidence.

Assist with employment authorization renewal.

Guide you through every step until USCIS reaches a decision.

№ 06 — frequently asked questions

Questions we hear often.

Can I apply for Family Unity today?

Generally, no. New Family Unity applications are no longer being accepted. Family Unity today is primarily a benefit that eligible individuals renew, rather than one that new applicants can obtain. If you have never held Family Unity, we can review your situation and discuss other immigration options that may fit.

Can I renew my Family Unity benefits?

Possibly. If you previously received Family Unity benefits and your underlying immigrant visa petition remains pending, you may be eligible to renew. Renewal depends on your individual immigration history and current federal regulations, which we review carefully before advising you.

Does Family Unity include work authorization?

Family Unity benefits have historically included employment authorization, and eligible renewals may allow that work authorization to continue according to USCIS rules. We help prepare the renewal so your ability to work is addressed as part of the process.

How long does a renewal take?

Processing times are set by USCIS and can vary depending on current workloads and your specific circumstances. We cannot promise a particular timeline, but we prepare complete, accurate applications to help avoid the delays that incomplete filings can cause.

What happens if my immigrant visa becomes available?

Family Unity is intended to keep families together while an immigrant visa is pending. If a visa becomes available in your category, the next step is generally to pursue permanent residence through adjustment of status or consular processing. We can guide you through that transition when the time comes.

Can GWP help determine whether I still qualify?

Yes. Family Unity is one of the most specialized benefits still available to certain individuals, and eligibility turns on the details of your history. We review your prior benefits and pending petition, then advise honestly on whether renewal appears available to you.

Benefits you've already earned —

Not sure whether you still qualify?

Immigration laws have changed over the years, and Family Unity is one of the most specialized immigration benefits still available to certain individuals. If you’ve previously received Family Unity protection, we’ll help determine whether you’re eligible to renew your benefits and continue your immigration journey with confidence.

Or call (702) 737-7717