Family-Based Green Cards

Navigating the Legal Journey to Family Life in the US
The USCIS offers the Family-Based Green Card- the pathway to obtaining Lawful Permanent Residency for immediate relatives of US citizens. Like all other US visas, this visa category entails intricate paperwork and long waiting periods.
Choosing legal immigration services from the Law Offices of Mary Kennedy in Schaumburg connects you with experts to help navigate processing complexities, delays and immigration regulations.
We aim to help you overcome any visa-related obstacles, obtain your visa approval, and focus on building a bright future for your family in the US. Our best family-based green card lawyers offer personalized, step-wise guidance in meticulously preparing your documentation, meeting deadlines, and tackling any potential challenges.
Join us as your trusted partners on this exciting journey, and let us help you pave the way to a wonderful family life in the US. Together, we’ll unlock the possibilities that await you!
Family-Based Green Card: Eligibility Criteria

Valid Family Relationship
The applicant needs to have a qualifying family connection with a US citizenship holder or an LPR holder. Acceptable relationships are parents, children, spouses, and siblings.
Immediate Relative Status
Family Preference Category
Financial Support
Petitioner's Domicile
Beneficiary's Admissibility
The beneficiary must successfully complete a medical evaluation and not have specific criminal convictions or immigration violations.
Visa Availability
A visa must be available for the applicant based on the petition’s priority date under the family preference categories.
Legal Status
If the beneficiary resides in the US, they should have maintained their lawful status (with some exceptions). If they reside in another country, they must complete consular processing.
Bona Fide Relationship
The petitioning couple must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and not established merely to gain immigration benefits. This criterion is mandatory for marriage-based applications.
Application Submission
The petitioner must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and obtain approval before the beneficiary can apply for a Green Card.
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Family-Based Green Card Application: Required Documents
The first step in your journey to attaining your Family-Based Permanent Residence is submitting the required documents to prove your eligibility and support your application. You will require:
- Form I-130 or Petition for Alien Relative
- Form I-485 or Adjustment of Status
- Proof of lawful entry into the US, if applicable
- Proof of US Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency of the sponsor
- Proof of family relationship
- Proof of marriage validity
- Evidence of termination of previous marriage, if applicable
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Proof of financial support
- Passport-size photos
- Medical examination and vaccination records.
Family-Based Green Card: The Benefits
Work Authorization
Possibility of US Citizenship
Access to Social Services
Security under US Laws
Access to healthcare
Sponsorship opportunities
Opportunities for business and investment
Possibility of Permanent Residency
Flexibility to travel across the US
Family-Based Green Cards: Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family members work in the U.S. while waiting for their Green Card approval?
Can I apply for a Family-Based Green Card if I live outside the U.S.?
Yes, you can. To apply from abroad, you should petition the USCIS and attend the interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Is there a way to expedite the Green Card process for family members?
Although the processing times are fixed, immediate relatives of US citizens usually experience shorter wait times than those in family preference categories. Consulting with our attorneys will shed light on the suitable options to expedite the case.