Family Reunification Starts With the Right Attorney in Phoenix
Keeping your family together is not just a legal goal — it's the reason ATR Law Group exists. We guide families through every stage of the immigration petition process, from the initial I-130 filing through adjustment of status or consular processing, with clear communication in English and Spanish at every step.
What Family-Based Immigration Can Do for Your Family
Family-based immigration is the primary legal pathway for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring close relatives to the United States — or to help family members already here secure lawful status. The process involves specific petitions, eligibility categories, and timelines that vary depending on your relationship to the applicant and their current location.
ATR Law Group handles the full scope of family immigration cases, including:
- Immediate relative petitions (spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens)
- Preference category petitions (adult children, siblings, and married children of U.S. citizens; spouses and children of lawful permanent residents)
- Adjustment of status for family members already living in the United States
- Consular processing for family members applying from abroad
- Provisional unlawful presence waivers(I-601A) for eligible applicants with periods of unlawful presence
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens qualify as immediate relatives. This category is not subject to annual visa caps, which means there is no backlog — a visa is available as soon as the I-130 petition is approved. For many families, this is the fastest path to a green card.
Preference Category Relatives
Adult children, married children, and siblings of U.S. citizens — as well as spouses and children of lawful permanent residents — fall into preference categories. These categories are subject to annual numerical limits, which means wait times can range from a few years to significantly longer depending on the applicant's country of birth and the specific category. We review the current Visa Bulletin with every preference category client so you have a realistic picture of your timeline from day one.
Adjustment of Status for Family Members in the U.S.
If your family member is already living in the United States, they may be eligible to apply for a green card without leaving the country through a process called adjustment of status. We file the I-130 petition and the I-485 application together when eligibility allows, and we represent your family member at their USCIS interview.
Consular Processing for Family Members Abroad
When your family member is outside the United States, their green card application is processed through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. We prepare the petition, coordinate with the National Visa Center, and help your family member prepare for their consular interview — keeping you informed throughout the process regardless of the distance between you.
An Unlawful Entry Doesn't Always Close the Door
Many families in the Phoenix area include members who entered the United States without authorization or who overstayed a visa. A common fear is that this history automatically disqualifies a family member from the immigration process. In many cases, that fear is not accurate.
The provisional unlawful presence waiver — filed on Form I-601A — was created specifically to address this situation. For eligible applicants, it allows the waiver of unlawful presence grounds of inadmissibility before the applicant leaves the United States for their consular interview. This means your family member may be able to complete the process without facing a prolonged bar from re-entry.
Eligibility for the I-601A waiver depends on several factors, including the relationship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and the ability to demonstrate that denial would cause extreme hardship. We review these factors in every consultation so you know exactly where your family member stands before any decisions are made.
Why Accuracy in Your Family Petition Matters
An error or omission on a family immigration application does not just cause a delay — it can trigger a Request for Evidence, a denial, or in some cases a bar on refiling. When your family is waiting, the cost of a mistake is measured in months or years.
As an AILA member firm, ATR Law Group applies the standards of the American Immigration Lawyers Association to every application we prepare. Every I-130, every I-485, every supporting document package is reviewed for accuracy and completeness before it leaves our office. We do not submit applications we are not confident in.
Bilingual Support for Families Navigating Two Countries
Family immigration cases often involve one family member in the United States and another abroad — sometimes in different countries, navigating different languages and bureaucratic systems simultaneously. Clear communication matters at every stage.
ATR Law Group provides full bilingual service in English and Spanish. Whether you are a U.S. citizen petitioning for a spouse in Mexico, a lawful permanent resident with children abroad, or a family working through adjustment of status together in Phoenix, we communicate clearly with every member of your family throughout the process.
How ATR Law Group Approaches Family Immigration Cases
We begin every family immigration case with a free consultation to assess the relationship category, the family member's immigration history, and any factors — including prior periods of unlawful presence — that may affect eligibility or strategy. From there, we build a clear plan and handle every filing on your behalf.
Our process includes:
- Evaluating immediate relative vs. preference category eligibility and explaining your timeline honestly
- Preparing and filing the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with complete supporting documentation
- Advising on and filing the I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver where applicable
- Managing the adjustment of status process for family members in the United States, including USCIS interview preparation
- Coordinating consular processing for family members abroad through the National Visa Center and U.S. Embassy
- Keeping you informed through our client portal and WhatsApp access throughout the process
If your family member's case involves removal proceedings, we coordinate with our deportation defense practice to address both tracks together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family-Based Immigration in Arizona
What is the I-130 petition and who needs to file it?
The I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step in most family-based immigration cases. It is filed by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish the qualifying family relationship. Approval of the I-130 does not grant status on its own — it opens the door to the next stage of the process, either adjustment of status or consular processing.How long does family immigration take in Arizona?
Timeline depends on the relationship category. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — spouses, minor children, and parents — face no visa backlog, so the process typically takes one to two years depending on USCIS processing times and whether the applicant is in the U.S. or abroad. Preference category relatives face additional wait times tied to annual visa limits, which can range from a few years to much longer. We review current Visa Bulletin data with every client so your expectations are grounded in current reality.Can my spouse get a green card in Phoenix if they entered the U.S. without authorization?
Possibly, yes. If your spouse is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen and entered without inspection, they may still be eligible for adjustment of status depending on the specific facts of their case. If they need to complete consular processing abroad, a provisional unlawful presence waiver (I-601A) may allow them to apply for the waiver before leaving — reducing the risk of a prolonged bar from re-entry. We assess this in every consultation.What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
Adjustment of status is the process used when the family member is already living inside the United States — they apply for a green card without leaving the country. Consular processing is used when the family member is abroad — their application is handled through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The right path depends on where your family member is currently located and their immigration history.Do I need an immigration attorney to file an I-130 petition?
You are not legally required to have an attorney, but family immigration cases involve multiple forms, supporting documents, and procedural steps where errors carry real consequences. An AILA-member attorney reviews your application for accuracy and completeness before filing — reducing the risk of delays, Requests for Evidence, or denials that set your family's case back by months or years.
