Bringing Families Together Through Immigration

I-130 Family Petitions: Starting The Path To Reunite With Loved Ones

Family is the heart of the immigration system. If you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you have the right to petition for certain family members to join you in the United States.

The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first and most critical step in that process. At Reana Garcia Law Group, we help families across New Jersey prepare and submit I-130 petitions for spouses, children, parents, and siblings with accuracy, care, and a deep understanding of immigration law.

Whether you are applying from within the U.S. or helping a relative abroad, we’re here to guide you through each step with clarity and compassion.

What Is Form I-130?

Form I-130 is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish a qualifying family relationship between a U.S. citizen or green card holder (the “petitioner”) and their foreign national family member (the “beneficiary”).

Approval of this petition does not grant a green card on its own—it simply establishes eligibility and allows your relative to apply for permanent residency through either Adjustment of Status (if inside the U.S.) or Consular Processing (if abroad).

Who Can File An I-130 Petition?

U.S. Citizens can file for:

• Spouse
• Unmarried children under 21
• Unmarried sons and daughters over 21
• Married sons and daughters of any age
• Brothers and sisters (if the petitioner is over 21)
• Parents (if the petitioner is over 21)

Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) can file for:

• Spouse
• Unmarried children (any age)

Common Situations We Handle

• Marriage-based petitions for newlyweds or long-term spouses
• Petitions for children born abroad or adopted
• I-130 petitions filed alongside I-485 for Adjustment of Status
• Family reunification through consular processing
• Filing for parents or siblings living outside the U.S.
• I-130 denials or requests for evidence (RFEs) and how to overcome them

Benefits Of Working With An Immigration Attorney

• Accurate Petition Preparation
  We complete the I-130 properly with all necessary supporting evidence—avoiding costly delays or denials.
• Strategic Filing Advice
  We help determine whether your family member should pursue Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing based on their location and immigration history.
• Marriage Petition Support
  For spouses, we assist with documentation proving a bona fide relationship and prepare for potential interviews.
• Help With Complex Cases
  If your family member has prior immigration violations, we assess eligibility and guide you through any waivers or additional filings.

How The I-130 Process Works

1. Eligibility Review & Consultation
   We assess your family relationship and immigration goals.
2. Form I-130 Filing with USCIS
   We prepare and submit the petition, including evidence of the family relationship (marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.).
3. Approval & Next Steps
   Once approved, your relative can proceed to either:
   • Adjustment of Status (if lawfully in the U.S.), or
   • Consular Processing (if abroad or ineligible for AOS)
4. Green Card Application & Final Steps
   We guide you through the green card process, including waivers (if needed), biometrics, interviews, and final approvals.

Who Should Consider Filing An I-130?

• Married U.S. citizens seeking to bring their spouse to the U.S.
• Green card holders wanting to reunite with a spouse or children
• U.S. citizens sponsoring their parents, siblings, or adult children
• Families with members abroad waiting for a visa
• Anyone starting the process of long-term family reunification

Why Choose Reana Garcia Law Group?

• Dedicated to Keeping Families Together
  We know how important these relationships are, and we work tirelessly to support your family’s future.
• Experienced, Personalized Representation
  No two petitions are alike—we tailor our approach to your specific case and relationship.
• Bilingual Legal Support
  We assist both English and Spanish-speaking families with empathy and clarity.
• Local, Trusted Guidance in New Jersey
  We proudly serve families throughout New Jersey with responsive, respectful service and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an I-130 petition take?
Timelines vary. Immediate relatives (spouses, parents of U.S. citizens) may wait 8–14 months, while other family categories depend on visa availability under the Visa Bulletin.

Can I file an I-130 if my spouse is undocumented?
Yes, but additional steps (such as waivers or consular processing) may be required depending on their immigration history.

What if my I-130 is denied?
We can help you file a motion to reopen, appeal, or assess whether a new petition or waiver is appropriate.

Related Services

• Adjustment of Status
• Consular Processing
• Waivers of Inadmissibility (I-601, I-601A)
• Marriage-Based Green Cards
• Removal of Conditions on Residency (I-751)
• Citizenship & Naturalization for Family Members

Start Your Family Immigration Journey Today

Filing an I-130 is the first step in bringing your loved ones home. At Reana Garcia Law Group, we’re honored to help families across New Jersey build lasting lives together in the United States.

📞 Call (201) 983-4012(201) 983-4012 now to get started
📍22 Chestnut St, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Trusted legal help—because family belongs together.