Pennsylvania Family Immigration Attorneys

Helping Families Secure Green Cards

U.S. citizens and permanent residents have the right to sponsor close family members for green cards—a path to permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship. Our Feasterville-Trevose practice is equipped to guide you through every phase, from determining eligibility and preparing petitions to assembling documentation and representing you with local USCIS offices. We know the value of keeping families together and work hard to deliver successful results for our clients in Bucks County and the greater Philadelphia area.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Depending on your status, you may sponsor:

• Spouses
• Parents
• Unmarried children under 21
• Unmarried adult children over 21
• Married children (for U.S. citizens)
• Siblings (for U.S. citizens)

Lawful permanent residents may also sponsor spouses and unmarried children under 21. Distant relatives like cousins, grandparents, and aunts/uncles are not eligible through family-based petitions. Our family immigration lawyer in Feasterville-Trevose will advise you on eligible relationships and develop a strategy tailored for your situation.

Immediate Relatives vs. Family Preference Categories

• Immediate relatives—spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21—can access green cards more quickly once USCIS approves the petition.
• Family preference applicants, such as siblings and married children, may experience longer wait times due to annual visa limits.

We explain the difference and help you choose the right approach to minimize delays, ensuring every detail is handled for a successful application.

Required Documentation

Successful family immigration starts with strong documentation. You will need:

• Government-issued ID
• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
• Joint residency or financial documents (such as leases, utility bills)
• Certified translations (if documents are not in English)

We walk our clients step-by-step through the checklist, helping you avoid errors that can slow your case.

Step-by-Step Family Green Card Process

1. File a sponsorship petition to establish the relationship.
2. After approval, immediate relatives proceed directly to green card processing, while others enter the wait list.
3. Adjustment of Status (for applicants in the U.S.) or Consular Processing (for those abroad) follows.
4. A medical exam and interview at the Philadelphia USCIS office or embassy is required.
5. Upon approval, your family member receives permanent resident status.

Our team provides ongoing support, keeping you informed as immigration laws evolve and ensuring you respond quickly to USCIS requests.

Interview Preparation and Conditional Green Cards

Interviews are often held at Philadelphia’s USCIS field office. We prepare you for questions about your relationship and daily life, and help organize your paperwork for a smooth appointment. If you sponsored a spouse and your marriage is less than two years old, we guide you through removing conditions on their two-year green card, including building evidence of your genuine relationship.

Serving Bucks County Families

With broad local experience, our family immigration lawyer in Feasterville-Trevose offers representation and support to families throughout Bucks County. We help you overcome backlogs, clarify legal rights as a sponsor, and ensure every submission is accurate and timely.

Contact Our Family Immigration Attorney

If you are ready to start the sponsorship process or have questions about family-based visas, contact our Feasterville-Trevose office today for a consultation with a trusted family immigration lawyer in Feasterville-Trevose. We serve clients in Bucks County and across the Philadelphia metropolitan area, and offer bilingual services for English and Spanish-speaking families.

Frequently Asked Questions: Family Immigration Lawyer in Feasterville-Trevose

What family members can I sponsor for a green card?
 U.S. citizens may sponsor their spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21, unmarried adult children over 21, married children (any age), and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can sponsor spouses and unmarried children under 21.

How long does family-based immigration take?
 Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not have to wait for a visa to be available, so the process is generally quicker—typically several months to a year. Family preference applications (such as siblings or married children) may face longer waiting periods depending on relationship type and country of origin, sometimes taking several years.

Can I sponsor a family member who is already in the United States?
 Yes. Family sponsorship can benefit relatives who are already in the country, even if they are in removal proceedings. They may be eligible for adjustment of status or other forms of relief if the relationship is established.

Will criminal charges affect my or my relative’s immigration case?
 A criminal record can complicate eligibility for visas, green cards, or citizenship. Certain convictions may make an individual inadmissible or deportable. Consultation with an experienced family immigration lawyer in Feasterville-Trevose is strongly advised if criminal history is a concern.

What documents do I need to submit for a family immigration case?
 Core documents usually include government-issued photo ID, proof of relationship (such as birth or marriage certificates), evidence of joint residence or finances, and certified translations for any non-English materials.

What can I do if my family visa application is denied?
 If your petition is denied, you may file an appeal or a motion to reopen. An immigration attorney can help address the reasons for denial, provide guidance on additional evidence, and represent you throughout the process.

What are my responsibilities as a sponsor?
 As a sponsor, you must agree to provide financial support for your family member so they are not likely to become a public charge. This obligation may last until the person becomes a U.S. citizen or accrues enough work history.

Can I get free legal help or resources in Bucks County?
 Yes. Bucks County offers legal aid and pro bono services for immigrants, including help with family-based immigration cases. Nonprofits, such as Immigrant Rights Action, and county resources are available for those who qualify.