Petitioning for a Green Card
At Richard York Law, we assist U.S. citizens in petitioning for their family members to receive Green Cards (permanent residence).
The process begins by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative to establish the family relationship.
Inside the U.S.
Relatives can apply for status adjustment to become Green Card holders using Form I-485 once a visa number is available.
Outside the U.S.
We guide you through the process as your petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), which forwards it to the appropriate U.S. consulate for consular processing when a visa becomes available.
Eligible Relatives
Your eligible relatives come in two broader categories: Immediate Relatives & Other Family Members
Immediate Relatives: Visas are always available for these relatives. If they are in the U.S., they can file Form I-485 at the same time as Form I-130.
- Spouses
- Unmarried children under 21
- Parents (if the petitioning citizen is 21 or older)
Other Family Members: These relatives fall into categories leading to longer wait times.
- First Preference: Unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (21 or older)
- Second Preference (2A): Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of Green Card holders
- Second Preference (2B): Unmarried adult sons and daughters of Green Card holders
- Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens
Richard York Law provides comprehensive assistance throughout the petition process.
