Let Us Help You Bring Your Family to the U.S.
Not every family member qualifies the same way. U.S. citizens can petition for spouses, parents, siblings, and children of any age or marital status. Green Card holders can only petition for unmarried children. Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen may skip the visa line entirely, while others use their I-130 to hold their place until a visa becomes available.
We help you determine exactly who you’re eligible to petition for, gather the right proof of relationship: from birth and marriage certificates to Form I-864 affidavits of support, and file with the correct USCIS service center for your case. Contact us to start your Form I-130 filing today.
Experienced Immigration Guidance When It Matters Most
USCIS makes the final decision on every I-130 petition, but we strengthen your case through precise legal work and structured preparation. We build petitions supported by clear evidence of your family relationship, and we address potential issues before they affect your outcome.
Choosing Colavecchio & Colavecchio Law means working with attorneys who understand immigration law in practice and apply it with discipline and clarity. We manage every stage of the process, from confirming eligibility to compiling supporting evidence, so your case keeps moving toward approval. Call at 615 242 3333 and let’s build a better tomorrow starting today in Nashville.
Reuniting Your Family
Form I-130 is the first step toward bringing your spouse, child, sibling, or parent to build a life together in the U.S.
Holding Your Place in Line
For relatives who don’t qualify for immediate processing, an approved I-130 secures your place until a visa becomes available.
Your Path to a Green Card
Once your petition is approved, your family member can move forward with applying for lawful permanent residence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to process the I-130 petition for alien relatives?
A: Processing time depends on the relationship category. Immediate relative petitions (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen) currently average around 12 to 14 months. Preference category petitions, such as those for siblings or married children, can take several years due to annual visa limits and backlogs.
Q: How much does an I-130 cost?
A: The current USCIS filing fee is $625 if you file online or $675 if you file by paper. This fee is non-refundable and applies per petition, regardless of the outcome.
Q: What is the meaning of the I-130 petition for alien relatives?
A: Form I-130 is the document a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder files with USCIS to establish a qualifying family relationship with a relative living in the U.S. or abroad. It’s the first step in the family-based Green Card process and, by itself, does not grant any immigration status.
Q: What happens after I-130 is approved?
A: Once approved, the case moves to the next stage based on where your relative lives. If they’re in the U.S. and eligible, they can apply for adjustment of status using Form I-485. If they’re abroad, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center for consular processing. Approval alone does not grant a Green Card or visa.
Q: What is the success rate of petitions for alien relatives?
A: Approval rates are high for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, generally in the low-to-mid 90% range, since this category isn’t subject to annual visa caps. Preference category petitions, such as those for siblings, see a meaningfully lower approval rate, often below 60%, largely due to stricter documentation standards and eligibility issues.
