Tampa Family-Based Immigration Lawyer
Bring your family together in the U.S. We'll guide you from the first petition to the green card, with direct access to your attorney the whole way.
Who Can You Sponsor?
U.S. citizens and green card holders can petition for certain relatives. Who qualifies, and how long they wait, depends on your status and your relationship.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (no annual waiting line)
- Spouses
- Unmarried children under 21
- Parents (if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older)
Family preference categories (subject to the Visa Bulletin)
| Category | Who it covers |
|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens |
| F2A | Spouses and children (under 21) of green card holders |
| F2B | Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of green card holders |
| F3 | Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens |
| F4 | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (the citizen must be 21+) |
Wait times for preference categories depend on the beneficiary's category and country of birth. They are published each month in the State Department's Visa Bulletin.
How the Family Petition Process Works
- 1
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The U.S. citizen or green card holder files the I-130 to prove the family relationship. Spouses also file Form I-130A. - 2
Waiting for a visa number
Immediate relatives can move forward right away. Preference categories wait until their priority date is current in the Visa Bulletin. - 3
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
The sponsor shows they can financially support the relative, or adds a joint sponsor if needed. Read about the 2026 I-864 changes. - 4
Green card through one of two paths
- Adjustment of status (Form I-485), if your relative is already in the U.S. and eligible.
- Consular processing through the National Visa Center and a U.S. consulate abroad, if they're outside the U.S.
- 5
Interview
USCIS or the consulate interviews the relative, and sometimes the sponsor. For Tampa Bay residents, adjustment interviews are generally held at the USCIS Tampa Field Office. We prepare you for exactly what to expect. - 6
Work permit and travel while you wait
Relatives adjusting status in the U.S. can often apply for a work permit (Form I-765) and travel document (Form I-131) while the case is pending.
Common Problems We Help You Avoid
- Weak proof of relationship, especially in marriage cases. We help you assemble strong evidence of a genuine relationship.
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and delays caused by missing documents or incomplete forms.
- Affidavit of support problems when the sponsor's income is too low. We'll walk you through joint sponsor options.
- Past immigration issues such as overstays, entries without inspection, or prior removals that may affect eligibility or require a waiver. We screen for these before anything is filed.
- Children aging out. A child turning 21 can change their category. We check whether the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) applies.
Related Family Immigration Services
Marriage-based green cards and removing conditions (I-751)
K-1 fiancé(e) visas
Green cards and adjustment of status
Citizenship for green card holders
Family Immigration FAQs
How long does a family petition take?
It depends on the category. Spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens (immediate relatives) don't wait for a visa number. Preference categories can wait years depending on the beneficiary's country of birth. We'll check current processing times and the Visa Bulletin for your case.
Can my relative get a green card without leaving the U.S.?
Sometimes. Relatives who entered lawfully and are eligible can often adjust status in the U.S. Others may need consular processing abroad and possibly a waiver. We review your relative's history before you file.
What if my income is too low to sponsor?
You can still file the petition. If your income doesn't meet the Affidavit of Support requirement, a joint sponsor can add their income.
My I-130 was approved. What happens next?
If your relative is in the U.S. and eligible, the next step is usually Form I-485. If they're abroad, the case moves to the National Visa Center for consular processing.
Do you help families outside Tampa?
Yes. Family-based immigration is federal law, and we help families throughout Tampa Bay, including Tampa, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, and Pasco and Hillsborough Counties, and nationwide by phone and video.
Talk to a Family Immigration Lawyer
Every family's situation is different. Schedule a consultation to find the fastest, safest path for your relative.
Ragheb Law, PLLC · 25200 Sawyer Francis Lane, Suite 116, Lutz, FL 33559 · (813) 938-0209 Book a ConsultationExplore Our Other Services
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