Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Gainesville, GA

Reunite With Your Loved Ones in the United States

Your family deserves to be together. That’s a simple truth that drives everything we do at Holden Law Firm. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen hoping to bring your spouse, children, or parents to America, or a green card holder wanting to reunite with family members, the path forward can seem overwhelming.

Immigration paperwork, changing policies, long wait times, and confusing requirements shouldn’t keep families apart. As someone who immigrated to the United States with her own family, Attorney Giovanna Holden understands these challenges firsthand—not just as a lawyer, but as someone who’s lived through the process.

Types of Family-Based Immigration We Handle

The U.S. immigration system divides family-based immigration into several categories, each with different requirements, processing times, and limitations:

Immediate Relative Petitions

These petitions have no annual caps and typically process faster than other categories:

• Spouse of U.S. Citizen: Marriage-based green cards for husbands and wives of American citizens
• Children of U.S. Citizens: Unmarried children under 21 years of age
• Parents of U.S. Citizens: For U.S. citizens 21 or older petitioning for their parents
• Adoptive Children of U.S. Citizens: For legally adopted children meeting specific requirements

Family Preference Categories

These have annual numerical limits and often involve longer wait times:

• F1: Unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens
• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents
• F2B: Unmarried adult children (21+) of permanent residents
• F3: Married children of U.S. citizens, regardless of age
• F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (when the U.S. citizen is 21 or older)

Additional Family Immigration Services

• K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas: For foreign fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens planning to marry within 90 days
• K-3/K-4 Visas: For spouses and children of U.S. citizens waiting for green card approval
• V Visas: For spouses and children of permanent residents with long-pending petitions
• Consular Processing: For family members applying from outside the United States
• Adjustment of Status: For eligible family members already in the United States
• Waivers of Inadmissibility: When family members face barriers to immigration due to prior issues

The Family-Based Immigration Process

While each case is unique, most family-based immigration journeys follow these general steps:

1. Petition Filing (Form I-130)

The U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member (the petitioner) files Form I-130 to establish the qualifying family relationship. This critical first step requires:

• Proof of the petitioner’s status (citizenship or permanent residence)
• Evidence of the qualifying family relationship
• Documentation of legal name changes, if applicable
• Marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption records
• Photos and evidence of a genuine relationship (for spouse petitions)

2. Waiting for Priority Date (If Applicable)

For family preference categories, the beneficiary must wait until their priority date becomes current. This can take anywhere from a few months to many years, depending on:

• The specific family preference category
• The beneficiary’s country of origin
• Current visa bulletin processing times

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can generally proceed without this waiting period.

3. Choosing Between Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

Depending on where the family member is located and their current status:

• Adjustment of Status: For eligible family members already lawfully in the United States
• Consular Processing: For family members outside the U.S. or those who cannot adjust status

4. Completing Required Forms and Documentation

This phase involves gathering extensive supporting evidence, including:

• Financial support documents (Affidavit of Support)
• Medical examinations
• Police clearances
• Civil documents (birth, marriage, divorce certificates)
• Immigration history documentation

5. Attending Interviews and Biometrics Appointments

Whether processing in the U.S. or at a consulate abroad, the beneficiary must:

• Complete biometrics (fingerprinting and photos)
• Attend an in-person interview
• Answer questions about their background and relationship
• Present original documents for verification

6. Receiving a Decision

After completing all steps, USCIS or the consular officer will:

• Approve the application and issue a green card or immigrant visa
• Request additional evidence if questions remain
• Deny the application (with potential options to appeal)

Common Challenges in Family-Based Immigration

Family immigration rarely follows a perfectly smooth path. We routinely help clients overcome obstacles such as:

Documentation Challenges

• Missing birth certificates from countries with poor record-keeping
• Difficulty proving bona fide marriages
• Name discrepancies across documents
• Translation issues with foreign documents

Legal Status Issues

• Prior immigration violations or unlawful presence
• Unauthorized employment
• Criminal history concerns
• Entry without inspection

Financial Requirements

• Meeting minimum income requirements for the Affidavit of Support
• Finding eligible co-sponsors when necessary
• Documenting self-employment or irregular income

Processing Delays

• Administrative delays at USCIS or consulates
• Request for Evidence responses
• Background check delays
• COVID-related processing backlogs

Current Processing Times for Family-Based Immigration

Realistic expectations help you plan your family’s future. Here are the current approximate processing timelines for family-based immigration cases:

Petition Type	USCIS I-130 Processing	Additional Wait Time	Total Estimated Time
Spouse of U.S. Citizen	10-15 months	6-12 months	16-27 months
Child of U.S. Citizen (under 21)	10-15 months	6-12 months	16-27 months
Parent of U.S. Citizen	10-15 months	6-12 months	16-27 months
F1 (Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens)	10-15 months	6-8+ years	7-9+ years
F2A (Spouse/children of permanent resident)	10-15 months	1-2+ years	2-3+ years
F2B (Unmarried adult children of permanent residents)	10-15 months	6-8+ years	7-9+ years
F3 (Married children of U.S. citizens)	10-15 months	12-14+ years	13-15+ years
F4 (Siblings of U.S. citizens)	10-15 months	14-16+ years	15-17+ years

Note: Processing times are estimates based on current USCIS data and can change due to policy shifts, backlogs, or individual case factors. For the most current information, consult with our office.

Why Families Choose Holden Law Firm

Personal Experience with the Immigration System

Attorney Giovanna Holden immigrated from Colombia to the United States at age 19 with her parents and siblings through a family petition. She understands the challenges, fears, and hopes of immigrant families on a personal level—because she’s lived them.

Bilingual Support Throughout the Process

Our entire team provides full service in both English and Spanish, ensuring you understand every detail of your case without language barriers.

Comprehensive Family Immigration Strategy

We don’t just file paperwork; we develop a strategy tailored to your family’s unique situation, considering:

• The fastest pathway to reunification based on your specific circumstances
• Alternative visa options when traditional routes may take too long
• Solutions for overcoming potential inadmissibility issues
• Long-term planning for all family members

Clear Communication and Support

We understand that waiting to reunite with family is emotionally difficult. Our clients appreciate that we:

• Provide realistic timelines and expectations from the start
• Offer regular case updates without you having to ask
• Respond promptly to questions and concerns
• Prepare you thoroughly for every interview and appointment

Take the First Step Toward Family Reunification

The road to family reunification begins with understanding your options. At Holden Law Firm, we offer personalized consultations to evaluate your specific situation and develop a clear plan forward.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Attorney Giovanna Holden. Let us help bring your family together, legally and permanently, in the United States.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family immigration case is unique, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please consult with our office directly for advice specific to your situation.