Family Immigration Attorney for Marriage & Reunification
Reunite with your loved ones through dedicated family immigration services in Cary NC and Dallas TX. 24+ years experience with marriage green cards, fiancé visas, spouse visas, and family-based immigration to help families build their future together in America.
Schedule Family Immigration ConsultationAt-a-Glance: 2026 Timelines, USCIS Filing Fees & Key Rules
Marriage green card timing
A marriage green card typically takes 10–18 months. Spouses in the United States usually file Form I-130 and Form I-485 together (concurrent adjustment). Spouses abroad complete the I-130 and then consular processing. Visa backlogs and a particular consulate can make a case longer. Employment-based green cards follow a different clock based on category and priority date.
Work and travel cards are separate fees
For an I-485 filed on or after April 1, 2024, the work card (I-765) and advance parole (I-131) are not included in the adjustment fee. Each has its own charge, and filing them is optional. The automatic 540-day EAD extension ended for many categories on October 30, 2025, so a renewal should be filed as early as USCIS allows.
Government filing fees
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | $675 paper / $625 online |
|---|---|
| Form I-485, adjustment of status (age 14+) | $1,440 |
| Form I-765, employment authorization filed with a fee-paid I-485 on or after April 1, 2024 | $260. It is no longer included in the I-485 fee |
| Form I-131, advance parole | $630. It is no longer included in the I-485 fee |
| $250 consultation | 60 minutes with Emanuela. Credited toward the retainer if you hire the firm. |
| Legal fee | Transparent flat legal fee quoted at consultation |
Last Updated: October 18, 2026
Comprehensive Family Immigration Legal Services
Navigate the complex family-based immigration process with compassionate, experienced legal guidance. With over 24 years of experience, we help families reunite and build their future together in the United States through marriage-based immigration, family petitions, and comprehensive family reunification services.
Family-Based Immigration Services
From marriage-based green cards to fiancé visas, we handle every aspect of family immigration with care and experience.
Marriage-Based Green Cards
Complete marriage-based immigration services for U.S. citizens and permanent residents marrying foreign nationals, including adjustment of status and consular processing. Learn more about the green card application process for detailed permanent residence guidance.
- I-130 family petition preparation and filing
- I-485 adjustment of status applications
- Consular processing coordination
- Bona fide marriage evidence compilation
- I-751 conditional residence removal
Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1)
K-1 fiancé visa applications for U.S. citizens planning to marry foreign nationals, including petition preparation, consular processing, and post-entry marriage procedures.
- I-129F fiancé petition preparation
- K-1 visa consular processing guidance
- 90-day marriage requirement compliance
- Post-marriage adjustment of status
- K-2 visas for fiancé's children
Parent & Child Petitions
Family reunification through parent and child relationships, including immediate relative petitions and age-out protection strategies.
- U.S. citizen parent petitions
- U.S. citizen child petitions for parents
- Child age-out protection (CSPA)
- Adopted child immigration
- Derivative benefits for family members
Extended Family Immigration
Family preference category petitions for siblings, married children, and other qualifying family relationships with priority date monitoring.
- Sibling petitions (F4 category)
- Adult married/unmarried child petitions
- Priority date monitoring and planning
- Visa bulletin tracking and updates
- Family preference category guidance
Family Immigration Process
Understanding the steps involved in family-based immigration applications
Relationship Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of your family relationship, documentation requirements, and the best immigration pathway for your specific situation.
Petition Preparation
Complete preparation and filing of family petitions (I-130, I-129F) with supporting documentation to establish the qualifying family relationship.
Priority Date & Visa Processing
Monitoring priority dates for preference categories and coordinating either adjustment of status or consular processing when visas become available.
Final Approval & Reunification
Final steps including interviews, medical examinations, and visa issuance or green card approval to complete the family reunification process.
Marriage-Based Immigration Experience
Guidance for couples navigating marriage-based immigration processes
Proving a Bona Fide Marriage
We help couples compile comprehensive evidence to demonstrate the authenticity of their marriage relationship, addressing USCIS requirements and potential fraud concerns. For employment-based families transitioning from work visas like H-1B status, we coordinate both pathways.
- Joint financial documentation
- Cohabitation evidence
- Relationship timeline documentation
- Family and friend affidavits
- Photo and communication evidence
Interview Preparation
Comprehensive preparation for marriage-based immigration interviews, including practice sessions and strategic guidance for couples.
- Mock interview sessions
- Document organization and review
- Question preparation and practice
- Stress management techniques
- Attorney representation at interviews
Conditional Residence Removal
I-751 petition preparation for couples who received conditional green cards, ensuring successful removal of conditions and permanent residence status.
- I-751 petition preparation and filing
- Evidence of ongoing marriage
- Divorce waiver assistance when applicable
- Interview preparation and representation
- Appeals and motions when necessary
Family Immigration Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about family-based immigration and marriage green cards
How long does it take to get a marriage-based green card?
A marriage green card for the spouse of a U.S. citizen typically takes 10-18 months, whether you file Form I-130 and Form I-485 together in the United States or the spouse completes consular processing abroad. Spouses of permanent residents often wait longer because a visa number has to be available. Government fees are separate: I-130 is $675 on paper or $625 online, and I-485 for an applicant age 14 or older is $1,440.
What's the difference between a K-1 fiancé visa and marriage-based green card?
A K-1 fiancé visa allows your foreign fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. to marry you, after which they can apply for a green card. A marriage-based green card is for couples already married. The K-1 process may be faster initially but requires additional steps after marriage.
Can my spouse work while the green card application is pending?
If your spouse is adjusting status in the U.S. (I-485 application), they can apply for work authorization (EAD) which typically allows work while the green card is pending. The EAD usually takes 3-6 months to process. For an I-485 filed on or after April 1, 2024, the I-765 fee is $260 and advance parole on Form I-131 is $630. Neither is included in the I-485 fee. The automatic 540-day EAD extension ended for many categories on October 30, 2025, so a renewal should be filed as early as USCIS allows.
What happens if we get divorced during the green card process?
If you divorce before the green card is approved, the case typically cannot proceed. However, if you received a conditional green card and divorce before removing conditions, you may be eligible for a waiver. Each situation is unique and requires careful legal analysis.
Schedule Your Family Immigration Consultation
Ready to reunite with your loved ones? Contact us today for compassionate, experienced guidance on your family immigration journey.
Family Immigration Attorney Contact Information
Phone: NC: (919) 200-0456 | TX: (972) 200-7254
Email: contact@pristerlaw.com
Locations: Cary, NC & Dallas, TX
Languages: English, Spanish (Se Habla Español), Italian
Family Immigration Service Features:
- 24+ years family immigration experience
- Compassionate, personalized approach
- Marriage and fiancé visa experience
- Interview preparation and representation
- Transparent flat fee pricing
- Bilingual services (Se Habla Español)
Modern, Hybrid Practice
- Secure Virtual Consultations Available via Google Meet
- Serving clients globally and throughout NC & TX