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Maniatis Law

A Full-Service Law Firm Fighting For Your Rights

Experienced Nashville Family Immigration Lawyers For Your Loved Ones

Many United States citizens have undocumented spouses, parents, or children in the U.S. who need help obtaining lawful immigration status. They may also need assistance with family-based visas so their loved ones abroad can join them in the U.S. Family separation due to complicated immigration laws and processes is not something anyone should have to face alone.

At Maniatis Law PLLC, Nashville attorney Matt Maniatis can help you avoid family separation and get through the family-based immigration and marriage green card process. As the grandson of Greek refugee immigrants, he understands what you are going through and the challenges you face. He will provide compassionate and trustworthy legal guidance to help your family come to the United States.

What Is Family-Based Immigration?

Family-based immigration processes enable U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring their family members to the United States. The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsors their family member for a green card or visa or through adjustment of status. Another option to consider is a marriage green card. Attorney Maniatis will review your case and help you determine the best path forward. He can help with:

  • K-1 visas: The “fiancé visa” allows U.S. citizens to bring a foreign fiancé into the U.S. to marry within 90 days. Afterward, your spouse may apply for permanent residence.
  • Green cards: We assist U.S. citizens or green card holders in helping their spouses, children, parents or siblings apply for a green card.
  • DREAM Act Deferred Actions: We help eligible children obtain work authorization and begin their path toward naturalization.
  • Hardship waivers: If your spouse faces removal or deportation, we can file for a hardship waiver, which requires careful legal attention.

The application process can be long and complex, starting with filing a Form I-130 petition. At Maniatis Law, attorney Maniatis will help you with every step of the process. Working with an experienced family-based immigration lawyer can make a huge difference in streamlining and successfully completing your petition.

How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Family-Based Green Card?

The United States immigration process is notoriously long and complex. How long the immigration process will take depends on family preference, demand and how many visas are available. Currently, the average processing time can take anywhere from 11 months to a few years.

Who Is Considered A Family Member For Immigration?

For U.S. immigration purposes, close family members who can be sponsored include:

  • Spouses: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor their foreign-born spouse for a green card.
  • Children: U.S. citizens can sponsor their unmarried children under 21, married children and even adult children. Lawful permanent residents can only sponsor their unmarried children.
  • Parents: U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can sponsor their parents for a green card. Green card holders, however, cannot sponsor their parents.
  • Siblings: U.S. citizens, but not green card holders, can sponsor their brothers and sisters, though this process can take longer due to visa availability.

Each family relationship type has specific requirements, and an immigration attorney can help determine eligibility based on your family circumstances.

Can A U.S. Citizen Sponsor A Family Member?

Yes, U.S. citizens have broader eligibility to sponsor family members than lawful permanent residents. As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor:

  • Your spouse for a green card.
  • Your children: both unmarried and under 21, as well as married or adult children.
  • Your parents, as long as you are 21 or older.
  • Your siblings: U.S. citizens over the age of 21 can file petitions to sponsor their brothers or sisters, though this process may take several years due to long waiting lists for family-based visas.

It’s important to note that visa wait times and availability vary based on the family member’s relationship with the sponsor and country of origin.

Discuss Your Case With An Experienced Immigration Attorney

Matt Maniatis understands that the immigration process can be overwhelming and intimidating. He will guide you and your family through each step with compassion, understanding and respect. At Maniatis Law, the entire team is bilingual in Spanish and English to best serve you. They also offer flexible payment plans so you can get the legal representation you need. To schedule a consultation at the Nashville office, call 615-988-1441 or complete an online contact form.