Help bringing your family’s immigration process forward
Peoples Immigrant Resource Center helps U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents prepare and file family-based petitions for eligible relatives. We can review your relationship, organize supporting evidence, and explain the steps that may follow Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
Start with a free consultation. We offer assistance in English and Spanish through our South Gate and Highland offices.
You can reach out at any stage
You do not need to wait until you have every document. Whether you have not started, are preparing a petition, already filed, or received a notice, contact us to discuss the assistance available. Bring copies of prior filings and any upcoming deadlines.
Who can petition for a family member?
U.S. citizens
A U.S. citizen may petition for a qualifying spouse, child, or adult son or daughter. Citizens must be at least 21 to petition for a parent or sibling. The relative’s age, marital status, and relationship affect the category.
Lawful permanent residents
A green card holder may petition for a qualifying spouse and unmarried children or adult sons and daughters. Permanent residents cannot petition for parents, siblings, or married sons or daughters through these categories.
Stepfamily and adoption cases have additional requirements. Tell us about those circumstances before filing; not every family relationship qualifies for Form I-130, and some adoption cases follow a different process.
What does a family petition do?
Form I-130 asks USCIS to recognize a qualifying family relationship. The petitioner is the U.S. citizen or permanent resident submitting the petition; the beneficiary is the relative seeking to immigrate.
A petition is not a green card
Filing or approval of Form I-130 does not, by itself, grant lawful immigration status, permission to work, or permission to travel. A separate green card or immigrant visa process is generally required. Being related to a U.S. citizen does not automatically make someone eligible to adjust status.
How we can help your family
Review eligibility and next steps
We can review the qualifying relationship, petitioner’s status, and relevant immigration history to explain the appropriate petition and potential next steps.
Prepare and file the petition
We can help eligible petitioners prepare and file Form I-130 and any required supplemental forms, with supporting evidence and the appropriate signatures.
Organize relationship evidence
We can help identify civil records and other evidence needed for the relationship. For a spouse petition, this includes evidence that the marriage is genuine.
Assist with a case in progress
We can review receipt notices, requests for evidence, and prior filings, then discuss assistance with the petition or a later stage within the agreed scope of services.
What happens after the petition?
Adjustment of status: For a relative in the United States who meets the requirements, we can help prepare and file the appropriate green card application. Eligibility and filing timing must be reviewed; not everyone can apply from inside the country or file together with the I-130.
Consular processing: For a case proceeding abroad, the next stages may include National Visa Center documents and an immigrant visa interview. We can discuss assistance with those steps. Obtain individual guidance before leaving the United States, especially if there are prior immigration violations.
Immediate-relative categories for qualifying spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of adult U.S. citizens are not subject to annual visa-number limits. Family-preference categories have limited numbers and may involve a wait. Processing is still required in every case.
What to bring to your consultation
Bring what you have. This is a starting list, not a complete filing checklist; the required evidence depends on your family relationship and case.
- Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
- Birth and marriage certificates, and records ending prior marriages when applicable.
- Passports, immigration documents, and any records of previous applications or proceedings.
- For a spouse petition, evidence of your shared life, such as joint records, photographs, and other relevant documents.
- Adoption, stepfamily, or legal name-change records, if relevant.
- USCIS or National Visa Center notices, case numbers, and any response deadlines.
We can explain any translation, financial sponsorship, or additional evidence requirements for the relevant stage. Ask how to provide sensitive records securely rather than sending them through a general website inquiry.
Common questions
Can you file for my eligible relative?
Yes. We can help an eligible petitioner prepare and file the family petition and discuss assistance with later applications. We review the relationship, documents, and scope of services before proceeding.
Does an approved petition let my relative stay or work in the United States?
Not by itself. Status and work authorization require a separate basis. Tell us about your relative’s current status, entry history, and any immigration proceedings so the next steps can be reviewed.
Can my spouse’s children be included automatically?
Do not assume one petition covers the whole family. Separate petitions may be required, particularly for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. Each child’s relationship, age, and eligibility need review.
How long will the process take?
Timing depends on the category, agency processing, visa availability, and the case’s circumstances. We cannot guarantee a decision date or approval. We can help you understand which stages apply.
What if I become a citizen or my family situation changes?
Contact us if the petitioner naturalizes or there is a marriage, divorce, birth, death, or other important change. These events may affect the category, eligibility, or documents needed.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. The initial consultation is free. If you decide to proceed, we will explain service fees and applicable government fees separately.
Let’s discuss your family’s next step
Whether you are starting a family petition or need help midway through the process, Peoples Immigrant Resource Center is here to help you understand the options available.
Official information and resources
USCIS: Form I-130 and filing instructions
Department of State: Family immigration
Department of State: Visa Bulletin
This page provides general information, not advice about an individual case. Eligibility, procedures, and fees can change. Services depend on your circumstances; no approval or processing time is guaranteed.