Trusted Family-Based Immigration Attorney for U.S. Visa and Green Card Petitions

From spousal petitions to family green cards, our family visa lawyers handle each case with care and precision, working to reunite families across the U.S.
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Our Approach

Family Separation Is Hard Enough. The Legal Process Should Not Be.

Families separated by borders face more than paperwork. USCIS requirements are exacting, and policies shift without warning. The stakes are personal. A wrong move can set an immigration case back months, sometimes years. Few legal processes carry this much emotional weight, and fewer still demand this level of precision.

For over 20 years, the Law Offices of Mary Kennedy have worked with families through spousal petitions, parent sponsorships and sibling cases across the U.S. As a dedicated immigration law office, Attorney Mary Kennedy works directly with each client. No handoffs. No middlemen. Just focused on family-based immigration services for your family.

Services We Offer

Our Family-Based Immigration Services

The Law Offices of Mary Kennedy deliver family-based immigration services for U.S. citizens and permanent residents across a full range of petition and visa categories.
Fiancé Visa
The K-1 visa allows U.S. citizens to bring their fiancé to the USA for marriage. The couple must wed within 90 days of entry. Documentation requirements are strict, and deadlines are firm. Our attorneys manage the entire filing process to ensure nothing is overlooked.
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Spouse Visa
The K-3 visa allows foreign nationals married to U.S. citizens to enter the USA while their I-130 petition is being processed. It is less commonly pursued today as I-130 processing has become more efficient. It remains a valid option in specific circumstances. Our attorneys assess each situation and recommend the most practical path forward.
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Petitions for Relatives (I-130)
Form I-130 is the foundation of most family-based immigration cases. U.S. citizens and permanent residents file it to establish the qualifying relationship with a foreign national. Documentation gaps and USCIS requests can complicate the process at any point. We ensure each petition is accurately prepared and properly supported before submission.
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Family Preference Visas
Not all family members qualify as immediate relatives under U.S. immigration law. Family preference visas cover other qualifying relatives — but they are subject to annual numerical limits and wait times that can span years. Knowing where your family member sits in the priority system matters. Our team helps you plan realistically and file at the right time.
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Adjustment of Status (I-485)
For those who entered the U.S. lawfully and have an immigrant visa immediately available, Form I-485 allows them to apply for a green card without leaving the country. Our immigration lawyers prepare the complete application package and guide you through the USCIS interview process with precision.
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Family Preference Visa Categories: Understanding the Priority System

Family-based visas in the preference categories are subject to annual numerical caps and priority date requirements. The category your family member falls under determines how long the process will take.
Family First Preference (F1)
Unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 and older of U.S. citizens. Once a child turns 21, they move out of the immediate relative category into F1, where annual caps and country-specific wait times apply.
Family Second Preference (F2A)
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents. F2A receives the larger share of the annual F2 allocation and advances more quickly than F2B.
Family Second Preference (F2B)
Unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 and older of lawful permanent residents. Wait times are longer than F2A, with applicants from countries with high application volumes facing the most significant delays.
Family Third Preference (F3)
Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. Marriage moves applicants out of the immediate relative category entirely. F3 consistently carries some of the longest processing timelines in the preference system.
Family Fourth Preference (F4)
Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, where the petitioning citizen is 21 or older. Historically, one of the most backlogged categories in the preference system. Applicants from the Philippines and India have faced waits spanning a decade or more.
Our family-based immigration lawyers help you understand exactly where your family member stands in the priority system and plan the most realistic path forward.
FAQ

Your Family-Based Immigration Questions, Answered

How are the I-130 petition and K-1 fiancé visa different?

Both allow a foreign national partner to enter the USA, but they operate differently. The I-130 can be filed by U.S. citizens and permanent residents. An approved spouse enters as a permanent resident and can work immediately. The K-1 is for U.S. citizens only. The couple must marry within 90 days of entry, and the K-1 holder cannot work until an adjustment of status is filed. Our family immigration attorneys assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable option.

How long does family-based immigration processing take?

Processing times depend on the visa category, country of birth, and current USCIS workload. Immediate relative cases can resolve in six to twelve months. Family preference categories, particularly for applicants from the Philippines, Mexico, or India, can take several years. Our immigration lawyers give you a realistic timeline from the start.

What are the steps for family immigration processing?

U.S. family immigration follows a clear sequence. The US-based sponsor files the petition and pays the required fees. Supporting documents are gathered and submitted. The beneficiary attends an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. USCIS reviews the full application and issues its decision. We monitor each stage and flag issues before they cause delays.

What guidance can I expect from your family immigration attorneys?

Our attorneys stay involved throughout, not just at the time of filing. Each USCIS form is reviewed before submission. Supporting documents are organized and verified. We communicate directly with USCIS on your behalf, prepare you for visa interviews, and accompany you when needed. If a denial or complication arises, we provide full legal representation. Our team ensures nothing is overlooked at any point in the process.

Can a green card holder petition for family members?

Yes. Lawful permanent residents can file I-130 petitions for their spouse and unmarried children. Petitions for parents, married children, or siblings are reserved for U.S. citizens only. LPR-sponsored petitions also take longer, as they fall under family preference categories with annual numerical limits. Our lawyers advise green card holders on the right petitioning strategy for their family situation.

Let's Reunite Your Family

Connect with our family immigration attorneys to get a focused legal strategy tailored to your family's situation.
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