Family-Based Petition · Petition for Alien Relative
Family Immigration Petitions That Reunite Loved Ones Across Borders
Whether you are sponsoring a spouse in Mystic, a parent in Providence, or an adult child abroad, Attorney Goncalves builds your family petition from the ground up — documenting the relationship, choosing the correct visa category, and guiding your family through every federal step.
A family-based immigration petition is often the first step toward lawful permanent residence for a foreign national relative. The petition establishes the qualifying relationship between you — the petitioner — and your family member abroad or in the United States. Without an approved petition, no immigrant visa or green card can be issued.
Attorney Jacquelyn R. Goncalves personally reviews every petition before filing. Clients throughout Connecticut and nationwide work directly with the attorney from consultation through approval — never passed between paralegals or support staff.
Immediate Relatives vs. Preference Categories
Understanding the difference determines whether your relative waits months or years.
Immediate Relatives — No Annual Cap
Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives. Visas are always available — there is no waiting line. These cases typically move fastest, often allowing concurrent adjustment filing if the beneficiary is already in the U.S.
Spousal cases where the marriage is less than two years old at approval result in conditional permanent residence, requiring a later filing to remove conditions.
Family Preference — Subject to Visa Bulletin
All other family relationships fall into preference categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4) with annual visa caps. Your priority date — the date USCIS receives your petition — determines your place in line. The monthly Visa Bulletin published by the Department of State shows which priority dates are current.
Sibling petitions (F4) routinely involve waits of 15+ years depending on country of birth. Filing early establishes your priority date even if the wait is long.
Common Reasons USCIS Issues an RFE on Family Petitions
Family Petition Questions
Can I petition for my same-sex spouse?+
Yes. Since the Supreme Court's Windsor decision, same-sex marriages valid where performed are recognized for federal immigration purposes. The spousal petition process is identical to opposite-sex cases.
What if my relative is already in the U.S. illegally?+
Unlawful presence creates serious complications. Depending on how long they have been present and whether they entered with inspection, they may need a waiver or may be ineligible to adjust. We evaluate this before filing.
Can I upgrade my petition if I become a U.S. citizen?+
Yes. If you naturalize while an LPR petition is pending, your relative's category may upgrade — for example, from F2A to immediate relative — potentially eliminating years of wait.
Does filing a family petition give my relative legal status?+
No. A petition alone does not grant work authorization or protection from deportation. Your relative must maintain independent valid status or wait abroad until a visa is available.
What are the government filing fees?+
USCIS filing fees change periodically. Attorney Goncalves confirms current fees at consultation and includes all government fees in your case estimate.
Start Your Family Petition Consultation
Discuss your family petition with Attorney Goncalves — serving Connecticut and families nationwide.