Reana Garcia Law Group | Rutherford Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyers | Call 201-983-4012
Our Social Media

Helping New Jersey Families Reunite Through Immigration

Legal Guidance for Family Petitions, Green Cards, and More

Family-based Immigration In New Jersey: What You Need To Know

For many immigrants, the American dream begins with family. Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor relatives to join them in the United States.

However, the immigration process is rarely simple. Between long wait times, strict documentation requirements, and evolving government policies, managing family-based immigration requires care, patience, and legal insight.

At Reana Garcia Law Group, we help families across New Jersey understand their options and guide them step-by-step through the petition process. Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, we’re here to help you bring your loved ones home.

What Is Family-based Immigration?

Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and green card holders to sponsor certain relatives to immigrate to the United States. Depending on your status and the relationship, your family member may qualify for either:

  • Immediate Relative Visa (no wait time for a visa number)
  • Family Preference Visa (subject to annual caps and visa bulletin wait times)

Eligible Relationships Include:

For U.S. Citizens:

  • Spouse
  • Unmarried children under 21
  • Parents (if the sponsor is 21 or older)
  • Married children of any age
  • Siblings (if the sponsor is 21 or older)

For Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders):

  • Spouse
  • Unmarried children (any age)

Benefits Of Working With A Family Immigration Attorney

  • Avoid Delays or Denials
    Incomplete forms, missing documents, or inconsistent information can cause serious setbacks. We prepare your petition correctly the first time.
  • Waiver Support for Inadmissibility
    If your loved one has past immigration violations, we assist with waivers and legal strategies to help them move forward.
  • Consular or Adjustment of Status Guidance
    Whether your relative is inside or outside the U.S., we guide you through the right process.
  • Bilingual Support
    We serve English and Spanish-speaking families with compassion and clarity.

How The Family Immigration Process Works

We provide start-to-finish guidance through each phase of the process:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility & Relationship

We help confirm if your family member qualifies under immediate or preference categories.

Step 2: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

This form establishes the qualifying relationship. Once approved, your family member may move on to the next stage.

Step 3: Choose Processing Path

  • Adjustment of Status (AOS): If the relative is in the U.S. and eligible to apply from within.
  • Consular Processing: If the relative is abroad, the case is handled at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Step 4: Interview & Final Decision

The relative must attend an interview, whether through USCIS or a consulate. We help prepare you and your loved one for this step.

Who Needs Family Immigration Help?

You should contact a family immigration attorney if:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or green card holder who wants to sponsor a relative
  • Your family member has an immigration history that may complicate the process
  • You’re unsure whether your spouse’s or child’s application should be AOS or consular
  • You need to file for multiple family members or need help with visa priority categories
  • You’ve received a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)

We provide both proactive guidance and case rescue when families are facing delays or complications.

Why Choose Reana Garcia Law Group?

  • Personalized Attention
    Every family is different. We take the time to understand your story and develop the best approach for your goals.
  • Local New Jersey Firm, Deep Immigration Knowledge
    We understand local courts, USCIS trends, and the unique needs of immigrant families across the region.
  • Compassionate Advocacy
    We know that family immigration isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about reuniting with the people you love.
  • Hands-On Case Management
    We walk you through each form, deadline, and interview preparation with care and transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sponsor my fiancé or girlfriend/boyfriend?
You may file a K-1 Fiancé Visa if you’re a U.S. citizen engaged to a foreign national. Simply dating doesn’t qualify for sponsorship.

How long does family immigration take?
Immediate relatives often wait 10–18 months. Preference category visas can take several years, depending on the country of origin and visa bulletin updates.

What if my relative entered the U.S. without a visa?
They may be ineligible for Adjustment of Status and need a waiver or consular processing. We can evaluate risks and find the safest path forward.

Related Services

  • Adjustment of Status
  • Consular Processing
  • Waivers of Inadmissibility (I-601, I-212)
  • K-1 Fiancé Visas
  • DACA & TPS Family Options
  • VAWA Petitions (for abused spouses or children)

Our Approach Vs. Large Immigration Firms

At Reana Garcia Law Group, we offer:

  • One-on-one attorney access
  • Personalized timelines and case strategies
  • Respectful, judgment-free communication
  • Attention to emotional and cultural considerations

We’re proud to serve New Jersey families with dignity and legal precision—no generic treatment, no assembly-line processing.

Start Your Family Immigration Journey Today

Bringing families together is one of the most meaningful legal services we offer. If you’re ready to start the process—or need help fixing a stalled petition—we’re here to support you.

📞 Call Reana Garcia Law Group at (201) 983-4012(201) 983-4012
📍22 Chestnut St, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Let us help you reunite your family—compassionately and effectively.

Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
& Request a Consultation

Contact Us And We’ll Tell You Everything You Need To Know!

Contact Form

Required Fields*

Your Information Is Safe With Us

We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.

Our Recent Blogs

5 Common U-Visa Denial Reasons in New Jersey
Posted By: Reana Garcia, Esq

5 Common U-Visa Denial Reasons in New Jersey

Have you or someone you love been the victim of a serious crime? Applying for…

June 15, 2025
How to Apply for AOS in New Jersey | Call 201-983-4012
Posted By: Reana Garcia, Esq

How to Apply for AOS in New Jersey

As an immigration attorney knows, if you want to become a lawful permanent resident in…

April 17, 2025
Reana Garcia Law Group | Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyers in Rutherford | Call 201-983-4012
Posted By: Reana Garcia, Esq

Gana con García: Relief for Spouses of U.S. Citizens Through New Parole Program

In this exciting new development, President Joe Biden, with support of the U.S. government, will be…

February 21, 2025

Contact Reana Garcia Law Group

Contact Us And We’ll Tell You Everything You Need To Know!
Contact Form

Required Fields*

Your Information Is Safe With Us

We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.

Hours Of Operations
Mon & Wed: 9 am – 5 pm
Tue & Thu: 9 am – 8 pm
Fri: 9 am – 12 pm
Saturday & Sunday:  Closed

Professional Associations

2024 Member American Immigration Lawyers Association | Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyers in Rutherford | Call 201-983-4012
New Jersey State Bar Association | Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyers in Rutherford | Call 201-983-4012
Hispanic Bar Association | Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyers in Rutherford | Call 201-983-4012

Real Clients, Real Reviews

Our Recent Blogs

5 Common U-Visa Denial Reasons in New Jersey
Posted By: Reana Garcia, Esq

5 Common U-Visa Denial Reasons in New Jersey

Have you or someone you love been the victim of a serious crime? Applying for…

June 15, 2025
How to Apply for AOS in New Jersey | Call 201-983-4012
Posted By: Reana Garcia, Esq

How to Apply for AOS in New Jersey

As an immigration attorney knows, if you want to become a lawful permanent resident in…

April 17, 2025
Reana Garcia Law Group | Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyers in Rutherford | Call 201-983-4012
Posted By: Reana Garcia, Esq

Gana con García: Relief for Spouses of U.S. Citizens Through New Parole Program

In this exciting new development, President Joe Biden, with support of the U.S. government, will be…

February 21, 2025

Contact Reana Garcia Law Group

Contact Us And We’ll Tell You Everything You Need To Know!
Contact Form

Required Fields*

Your Information Is Safe With Us

We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.

Hours Of Operations
Mon & Wed: 9 am – 5 pm
Tue & Thu: 9 am – 8 pm
Fri: 9 am – 12 pm
Saturday & Sunday:  Closed