We understand the importance of family and the deep desire to reunite loved ones. Our immigration attorneys are here to guide you through the complex and often lengthy process of family-based immigration — from the initial petition to final approval.
U.S. immigration law allows certain foreign nationals who are family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to become lawful permanent residents and obtain a Green Card based on specific family relationships. Whether you are the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen — or a sibling, married child, or adult son or daughter — there is likely a pathway for your family's immigration journey.
At Ozek Law Firm, we specialize in navigating the family-based immigration system, assisting clients with all categories — including Immediate Relative (IR) visas and the full range of Family Preference (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4) categories. Our expertise ensures that your family's immigration journey is as smooth and efficient as possible.
From petition filing and documentation review to consular processing, adjustment of status, and complex waiver situations — we provide comprehensive, compassionate legal support at every stage of the process.
Family-based immigration is divided into two tracks — Immediate Relative visas, which are not subject to annual caps and process faster, and Family Preference visas, which have annual numerical limits and priority date queues.
Immediate Relative visas are reserved for the closest family members of U.S. citizens. Because they are not subject to annual numerical limits, visa numbers are always available — meaning qualified applicants can move forward as soon as the petition is approved, without waiting in a priority date queue. This makes IR visas the fastest pathway in family-based immigration.
Family Preference visa categories cover more distant family relationships between U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. These visas are subject to annual numerical limits, which means that when demand exceeds supply, applicants must wait for their priority date to become current before a visa number is available. Wait times vary significantly by category and the applicant's country of birth.
From immediate relatives to family preference categories — we handle every family-based immigration classification. Our attorneys advise on eligibility, strategy, and the fastest available pathway for each specific relationship.
The IR-1 visa is for the foreign-national spouse of a U.S. citizen. As an immediate relative, visa numbers are always available. Once a Green Card is obtained, the couple may also sponsor certain other family members.
Unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen qualify as immediate relatives — no annual cap, no priority date wait. This includes both biological children, stepchildren, and legally adopted children meeting USCIS requirements.
U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old may file an immediate relative petition for their parent. Both mothers and fathers qualify. As an immediate relative, visa numbers are always immediately available without waiting.
First preference family category for unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of U.S. citizens. Subject to annual limits — wait times vary by country of birth. Priority date tracking is essential for F1 applicants.
F2A covers spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents (LPRs/Green Card holders). F2B covers unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of LPRs. F2A generally has shorter waits than F2B and receives preference in annual visa allocation.
Third preference category for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, regardless of age. F3 visas are subject to annual numerical limits and tend to have longer waiting periods. A derivative petition also covers the applicant's spouse and children.
Fourth preference category for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, provided the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old. F4 visas often have the longest waiting periods of all family preference categories. A derivative petition covers the sibling's spouse and children.
The family-based immigration process can be intricate and time-consuming, with significant documentation and eligibility requirements at every stage. At Ozek Law Firm, we manage the full lifecycle of your case — providing clear guidance, accurate filings, and proactive communication from start to finish.
“Every family's situation is unique. We provide tailored legal strategies to meet the specific needs of your family — and we do not stop until your loved ones are home.”
Tolga Ozek — Founding PrincipalWe prepare and file the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative on behalf of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents — ensuring every form is complete, every supporting document is in order, and the petition accurately reflects the family relationship.
We conduct a thorough review of all required documents — including proof of relationship, financial sponsorship evidence (I-864 affidavit of support), and civil documents — to ensure nothing is missing or incorrectly prepared before submission.
When the family member is outside the U.S., we guide them through consular processing at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. When the family member is already in the U.S., we assist with adjustment of status (I-485) to obtain the Green Card without leaving.
If a family member has prior immigration violations, unlawful presence, misrepresentation, or prior removal orders, we assess the case carefully and advise on available waivers — including I-601 and I-601A provisional unlawful presence waivers — to find a path forward.
For Family Preference categories, we monitor priority dates using the monthly Visa Bulletin, advise on when to file the next steps, and track your case with USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC) to ensure it progresses as efficiently as possible.
At Ozek Law Firm, we are well-versed in the complexities of family-based immigration law and stay updated on changes in immigration policy and procedures. We provide tailored legal strategies to meet the specific needs of your family — and we are committed to clear, timely communication at every stage of the process.
We handle every family-based immigration classification — from IR immediate relatives to F4 siblings — with equal depth and care, providing a single trusted counsel for your entire family's immigration needs.
Prior immigration violations, unlawful presence, prior removals, and misrepresentation cases require specialized strategy. We do not turn away complex cases — we assess them carefully and advise on every available path forward.
For Family Preference applicants, understanding priority dates is essential. We monitor the Visa Bulletin, advise on filing windows, and manage case progress with USCIS and NVC to keep your case moving forward efficiently.
Immigration is personal. We keep families fully informed at every stage — explaining each development in plain language, setting realistic expectations, and being accessible when you need answers.
Attorney-at-Law — Family-Based Immigration Law
Tolga Ozek brings over 13 years of experience helping families navigate the U.S. immigration system — from immediate relative petitions and consular processing to complex waiver cases and long-wait Family Preference categories. Licensed in D.C., MD, NY with federal immigration practice across the U.S., he is known for compassionate, detail-oriented representation that keeps families informed and moving forward at every stage.
If you are looking to bring a family member to the U.S., Ozek Law Firm is here to assist you. Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through the entire family-based immigration process — from the initial petition to final approval. Contact us today to take the first step toward reuniting with your loved ones.
