info@kasturilaw.com

Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
29 South Webster Street, Suite 370 Naperville,
IL 60540

Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

Family-Based Green Cards

As a nation of immigrants, the United States has long been a beacon of hope for people worldwide seeking to build a better life. For many individuals, obtaining a green card is a crucial first step in realizing their American dream. To accommodate the diverse circumstances of potential immigrants, the US government has established multiple green cards, including family-based green cards. If you are considering a family-based green card, contact Kasturi Law, a Naperville Immigration Attorney.

What Are Family-Based Green Cards?


A family-based green card is a highly sought-after permanent residency card that can be obtained through sponsorship by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. The process starts with the family member filing a petition on behalf of the non-citizen with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the non-citizen can either adjust their status or go through consular processing to obtain their green card, depending on their current location and immigration status.

The timeline for this process can vary widely, ranging from just a few months to several years. If you are considering this process, contact a Naperville Family-Based Green Card Attorney.

It’s worth noting that there is an annual limit on the number of visas that can be issued for certain types of family-based green cards. Visa applications are typically processed on a first-come, first-served basis, but once the cap is reached, you may have to wait until the following year to apply again. In some cases, the number of requests may exceed the cap, leading to additional waiting periods. An experienced  Naperville Family-Based Immigration attorney can help you understand the nuances of these limitations and work with you to develop a strong case for your green card application.

What Are the Different Types of Family-Based Green Cards?

If you’re seeking a family-based green card, it’s essential to understand the different types of visas available to you. The categories of family-based green cards are many, so if you’re unsure which one applies to your situation, it’s wise to seek guidance from an experienced Illinois Immigration Attorney.

One type of family-based green card is the Immediate Relative Visa, available to those close family members with a U.S. citizen, including a spouse, child, or parent. This visa type does not have a cap each fiscal year.

However, for those with more distantly related family in the US who are also US citizens and those with family who are lawful permanent residents, Family Based Visas may be an option.

Family-Based Visas, also known as Family Preference Visas, include several subcategories, such as the following:

  • The F-1 visa is for adult unmarried children of US citizens
  • The F-2 visa is for spouses and minor children or adult children of green card holders
  • The F-3 visa is for married children of US citizens who are coming to the US, as well as their spouses and children
  • The F-4 visa is for US citizens’ siblings coming to the US with a spouse and children, with the US citizen being required to be 21 years or older.

Finally, the IR-1, IR-2, IR-3, IR-4, and IR-5 visas are available for various family members of US citizens. Here is a brief description of each:

  • IR-1, which is a visa for the spouse of someone who is a US citizen
  • IR-2 is for unmarried children of US citizens that are under the age of 21
  • IR-3 is for children adopted by a US citizen abroad, allowing them to live in the United States before the completion of the entire adoption process
  • IR-4 is for children that are adopted by a US citizen abroad but can only live after the completion of the entire adoption process
  • IR -5 is for parents of a US citizen that is 21 years of age or older

Navigating the various options and requirements for family-based green cards can be complex and confusing. An experienced Illinois Immigration Attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure you have the best chance of obtaining the correct visa for your unique circumstances.

How Can an Immigration Attorney Help?

When you are interested in obtaining visas for your family, a Naperville Immigration Lawyer can help. This can be a challenging system to navigate. But you don’t have to do it alone. Kasturi Law, LLC is the Naperville Green Card Attorney and is perfectly positioned to help you. We know the process can make you feel like your life is on hold, and we want to move the process along as quickly and painlessly as possible. We focus on immigration concerns only, which makes me the Immigration Attorney in Naperville you want to consult. Contact me today to schedule a consultation. Together we will talk through your situation. I will listen and understand, and together we will devise the best solutions for you and your family.