Bring your family home
If someone you love is waiting on the other side of an immigration process, we understand the urgency. We handle family-based US visas and green cards — fiance visas, spousal visas, and adjustment of status — with the care and attention these cases deserve.
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Which visa do you need?
From fiance visas to spousal green cards, find the right path for your family.
- Engaged to a US citizen?
- K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
- Married to a US citizen or permanent resident?
- Spousal Green Card (CR-1 & IR-1)
- Sponsoring a parent, child, or sibling for a green card?
- I-130 Family Sponsorship Petition
- Already in the US and switching to permanent resident?
- Adjustment of Status
- Bringing a nanny or domestic worker to the US?
- B-2 for Nannies or Domestic Workers
Visa options
Adjustment of Status
For individuals already in the US transitioning to permanent resident status
Requirement
Already in the US on qualifying visa
Timeline
8-20 months
Gov. fees$1,440+
Legal feesFrom €3,500
This process allows individuals already in the U.S. on a temporary visa (such as a K-1 fiancé(e) visa) to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) without needing to return to their home country to complete visa processing. This is common among family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents after a change in marital status or other qualifying events.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Adjustment of Status process?
Adjustment of Status (AOS) is a legal procedure that allows an eligible individual who is already in the United States to change their immigration status to that of a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) without having to return to their home country for visa processing. This process is applicable to individuals who meet eligibility requirements based on family relationships, employment, or other qualifying categories.
Who can apply for an Adjustment of Status?
Eligibility for Adjustment of Status is generally available to individuals who have a valid immigrant visa petition approved, such as an I-130 or I-140 petition, and are currently in the United States. Applicants must have lawfully entered the U.S. and maintained lawful status, among other requirements. Certain categories, like asylees or refugees, may also adjust status under different eligibility criteria.
Can I work with the Adjustment of Status application?
Yes, applicants undergoing the Adjustment of Status process can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765. This document allows them to work legally in the U.S. while their application is pending. The EAD typically needs to be renewed annually until the green card is granted.
What are the benefits of Adjustment of Status application?
The primary benefit of adjusting status is the ability to legally reside and work in the U.S. as a permanent resident. This status provides stability and a pathway to citizenship, along with the benefits of residing in the U.S. such as access to education, social services, and the ability to travel in and out of the country more freely.
Do you need a petitioner for the Adjustment of Status application, and if so, who can be the petitioner?
Yes, most Adjustment of Status applications require a petitioner, who is often the same individual or entity that sponsored the initial immigrant petition. For family-based adjustments, this would be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. For employment-based adjustments, this would be the U.S. employer.
How can I apply for Adjustment of Status application?
To apply for Adjustment of Status, the applicant must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS. This can be filed concurrently with an immigrant petition (like an I-130 or I-140) if eligible, or after such a petition is approved and a visa number is available. Applicants must include all required documents and evidence to demonstrate their eligibility.
How many of the Adjustment of Status applications are issued per year?
While there is no cap on the number of Adjustment of Status applications USCIS can approve annually, the number of green cards issued each year is limited by category and country-specific caps, particularly in family-sponsored and employment-based immigration categories, as outlined in the annual numerical limits set by Congress.
How much does Adjustment of Status cost?
The cost for filing an Adjustment of Status application includes the filing fee for Form I-485, which is currently $1,140 for most applicants, and a biometric services fee of $85. Additional costs may be incurred for medical examinations, translation of documents, and legal fees if the applicant chooses to hire an attorney to assist with the process. Applicants should consult the latest fee schedule on the USCIS website or discuss with an immigration lawyer to understand all associated costs.
B-2 for Nannies or Domestic Workers
For domestic workers accompanying US citizen employers to the US
Requirement
Existing employment relationship with foreign national employer
Timeline
2-4 weeks
Gov. fees$185
Legal feesFrom €2,000
While the B-2 visa is typically for tourists, it can also be used by nannies or personal employees accompanying their U.S. citizen employers abroad or foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. for temporary work with a U.S. citizen employer under specific conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is B-2 for Nannies and Domestic Workers?
The B-2 visa extension for Nannies and Domestic Workers is a specific use of the standard B-2 Tourist visa that allows nannies, housekeepers, and similar domestic workers to legally accompany their employers during visits to the United States. This extension recognizes the need for employers traveling for tourism, business, or medical treatment to maintain continuity in domestic assistance.
Who can apply for B-2 for Nannies and Domestic Workers?
Eligible applicants for this visa include nannies and domestic workers who are employed full-time by individuals who either reside abroad permanently or are in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa, such as B-1, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q visas. The employer must substantiate the need for the domestic worker’s services during their stay in the U.S.
How long is B-2 for Nannies and Domestic Workers valid for?
The B-2 visa for nannies and domestic workers is generally issued for up to six months, aligning with the typical validity period of a visitor visa. Extensions can be granted, corresponding with the employer’s authorized stay in the U.S., ensuring that the domestic worker can remain legally employed throughout the duration of the employer’s visit.
Can I work with B-2 for Nannies and Domestic Workers?
Yes, domestic workers on this visa can legally perform work in the U.S., but strictly for the foreign employer with whom they entered the country. They are not permitted to work for any other employer while in the U.S. under the B-2 visa status.
What are the benefits of B-2 for Nannies and Domestic Workers?
The primary benefit of this visa extension is that it allows nannies and domestic workers to continue their employment with their employers while temporarily in the U.S., providing stability for both the employer’s family and the worker. This arrangement also facilitates travel for employers who rely on assistance due to child care needs, medical reasons, or household tasks.
Do you need a petitioner for B-2 for Nannies and Domestic Workers, and if so, who can be the petitioner?
While there is no formal petition process with USCIS, the employer must sponsor the visa by providing a letter of employment that details the nature of the trip, the duration, the purpose of accompanying the employer to the U.S., and proof of the employer’s visa status or residency if applicable.
How can I apply for B-2 for Nannies and Domestic Workers?
Domestic workers should apply for the B-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The application involves submitting the DS-160 form online, paying the visa fee, and attending a visa interview. Applicants must provide documentation including the employer’s letter of employment, evidence of their long-term employment, and details of the employer’s travel and status in the U.S.
How many B-2 for Nannies and Domestic Workers visas are issued per year?
There is no specific cap on the number of B-2 visas issued for nannies and domestic workers. Approval depends on the merits of each individual application and the demonstrated need for the worker to accompany their employer to the U.S.
How much does B-2 for Nannies and Domestic Workers cost?
The application fee for the B-2 visa is $160. This fee does not include additional costs that may arise from securing necessary documentation, travel to the embassy or consulate for the visa interview, or potential legal consultation fees. Applicants should prepare for these additional expenses when planning their application.
I-130 Family Sponsorship Petition
Petition to sponsor parents, children, or siblings for a US green card
Requirement
US citizen or permanent resident sponsoring a family member
Timeline
12-24 months
Gov. fees$675
Legal feesFrom €2,500
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the foundation of family-based immigration for non-spouse relatives. US citizens can sponsor their parents, children (married or unmarried, any age), and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can sponsor their unmarried children. Processing times vary widely depending on the relationship and the preference category, with some categories facing wait times of over twenty years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the I-130 petition?
The I-130 is a form filed with USCIS by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying family relationship with a foreign-national relative. Approval of the I-130 does not grant a visa or any immigration status – it simply confirms that a valid family relationship exists and places the beneficiary in line for an immigrant visa. The petition is the required first step for parents, children, and siblings seeking green cards through family sponsorship.
Who can petition, and for whom?
US citizens who are 21 or older can petition for their parents, married and unmarried children of any age, and siblings. US citizens under 21 can petition for their unmarried children under 21. Lawful permanent residents can petition for their unmarried children of any age. Each qualifying relationship falls into a specific preference category that determines processing priority and wait times.
What are the preference categories?
Family-based immigration outside of immediate relatives is organized into four preference categories. F1 covers unmarried adult children (21+) of US citizens. F2A covers spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents. F2B covers unmarried adult children of lawful permanent residents. F3 covers married children of US citizens. F4 covers siblings of US citizens. Parents and unmarried minor children of US citizens are classified as immediate relatives, not preference categories, and have no annual cap.
How do priority dates and the Visa Bulletin work?
When an I-130 is filed, the beneficiary receives a priority date – typically the filing date. Because preference categories have annual numerical limits, beneficiaries must wait until their priority date becomes current before they can apply for an immigrant visa. The Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin monthly, listing the cutoff dates for each preference category and country of chargeability. Wait times range from a few years for F2A to over twenty years for F4 and certain country backlogs.
What is the process after the I-130 is approved?
Once the I-130 is approved and the beneficiary’s priority date is current, the case moves to the National Visa Center, which collects fees, supporting documents, and the immigrant visa application. The beneficiary then attends an interview at a US embassy or consulate. If the beneficiary is already in the US and eligible, they may instead file Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident. For immediate relatives (parents and minor children of US citizens), there is no wait for a current priority date.
Can a beneficiary work in the US while waiting?
The I-130 petition alone does not provide work authorization or any right to enter or remain in the United States. Beneficiaries living abroad must wait until their immigrant visa is approved and they enter the US to receive work authorization. Those already in the US on a valid status who file for adjustment of status (I-485) can simultaneously apply for an Employment Authorization Document, but this is only possible once the priority date is current.
How much does the I-130 cost?
The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535. Additional costs arise later in the process, including immigrant visa application fees ($325 for consular processing), medical examinations, civil document procurement, and translations. If adjusting status within the US, the I-485 filing fee is $1,225. Legal fees for attorney assistance are separate. All government fees are subject to change, so applicants should verify current amounts on the USCIS website.
What about sponsoring a spouse?
Spousal immigration follows a distinct process with its own timeline and requirements. While the I-130 is also the first step for sponsoring a spouse, the spousal green card process differs significantly because spouses of US citizens are immediate relatives with no annual visa cap and substantially faster processing. For detailed information on sponsoring a spouse, see our Spousal Green Card page.
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
For US citizens bringing their fiance(e) to the US for marriage within 90 days
Requirement
Partner is a US citizen
Timeline
8-14 months
Gov. fees$675+
Legal feesFrom €3,000
Known as the fiancé(e) visa, the K-1 allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e)s to the U.S. with the requirement that the marriage takes place within 90 days of entry. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for an adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.
Frequently asked questions
What is the K-1 visa?
The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa is specifically designed for the foreign fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens. It permits these individuals to travel to the United States with the specific intent of marrying their U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of their arrival. After the marriage, the foreign national can apply to adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Who can apply for the K-1 visa?
Eligibility for the K-1 visa is limited to foreign nationals who are engaged to marry U.S. citizens and plan to marry within 90 days of entering the United States. Both the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé(e) must have been legally free to marry at the time the petition was filed and must have remained so thereafter. The couple must also have met in person at least once within the two years prior to filing the visa application, unless a waiver is granted.
How long is the K-1 visa valid for?
The K-1 visa allows for a single entry and is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. The foreign fiancé(e) must enter the U.S. and marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of arrival. Failure to marry within 90 days can result in the necessity to leave the country.
Can I work with the K-1 visa?
K-1 visa holders may apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, soon after arriving in the U.S. However, this employment authorization is temporary and only valid for a short period as it is expected that the K-1 visa holder will adjust status to a permanent resident shortly after marriage.
What are the benefits of the K-1 visa?
The primary benefit of the K-1 visa is that it allows the foreign fiancé(e) to legally enter the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen and subsequently apply for permanent residency without having to return to their home country. This facilitates a smoother transition to life in the U.S., allowing couples to start their married life together sooner.
Do you need a petitioner for the K-1 visa and if so, who can be the petitioner?
Yes, the K-1 visa requires a U.S. citizen to act as the petitioner. The petitioner must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), demonstrating the intent to marry and the legitimacy of the relationship.
How can I apply for the K-1 visa?
The process begins with the U.S. citizen petitioner filing Form I-129F with USCIS. After approval, the petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), which then forwards it to the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to the foreign fiancé(e). The fiancé(e) then applies for the K-1 visa, attends an interview, and upon approval, can travel to the U.S.
How many of these K-1 visas are issued per year?
There is no specific annual cap for K-1 visas; the number issued each year depends solely on the number of applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and successfully complete the application process.
How much does the K-1 visa cost?
The total cost for the K-1 visa process includes several fees: the filing fee for Form I-129F, currently $535, medical examination fees, and various visa processing fees. Applicants should consult the latest USCIS fee schedule and be prepared for additional costs associated with gathering necessary documentation and traveling for the embassy or consulate interview.
Spousal Green Card (CR-1 & IR-1)
The path to permanent residency for spouses of US citizens and green card holders
Requirement
Valid marriage to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident
Timeline
12-24 months
Gov. fees$675+
Legal feesFrom €3,000
The spousal green card allows the foreign-national spouse of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident to live and work permanently in the United States. The process begins with an I-130 petition filed by the sponsoring spouse. Depending on how long the couple has been married at the time the green card is granted, the beneficiary receives either conditional residency (CR-1, marriage under two years) or full permanent residency (IR-1, marriage two years or longer). Both paths follow the same application process – the distinction affects only the duration of the initial green card.
Frequently asked questions
What is a spousal green card?
A spousal green card grants lawful permanent resident status to the foreign-national husband or wife of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. It allows the holder to live and work anywhere in the United States without restriction. Spouses of US citizens are classified as immediate relatives, meaning there is no annual visa cap or waiting list – the petition can be processed as soon as administrative timelines allow.
What is the difference between CR-1 and IR-1?
Both CR-1 and IR-1 are spousal green cards obtained through the same petition process. The difference is based solely on the length of the marriage at the time residency is granted. If the couple has been married for less than two years, the beneficiary receives a CR-1 conditional green card valid for two years. If the marriage is two years or older, the beneficiary receives an IR-1 unconditional green card valid for ten years. The application process, forms, and fees are identical for both.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any US citizen can petition for their foreign-national spouse regardless of where the couple lives. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can also sponsor a spouse, though processing times are longer because LPR-sponsored spouses fall under a preference category with annual numerical limits. The marriage must be legally valid, and the couple must demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and was not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
How does the I-130 petition work for spouses?
The sponsoring spouse files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS to establish the marital relationship. This is the first and most critical step. Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center for further processing if the beneficiary is abroad (consular processing), or the couple can file Form I-485 concurrently if the beneficiary is already in the US (adjustment of status). For spouses of US citizens, the I-130 and I-485 can often be filed at the same time.
How long does the spousal green card process take?
For spouses of US citizens, the process typically takes 12 to 18 months from filing to green card issuance, though times vary based on USCIS workload and the specific service center or consulate handling the case. For spouses of lawful permanent residents, the timeline is significantly longer – often two to three years or more – because these cases are subject to annual visa number limits under the F2A preference category.
Can I work while my spousal green card is being processed?
The I-130 petition alone does not grant work authorization. However, if the beneficiary files for adjustment of status within the US (Form I-485), they can simultaneously file Form I-765 to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This work permit is typically issued within a few months of filing and allows the applicant to work legally while the green card application is pending. Applicants processing through a US consulate abroad do not receive interim work authorization.
What are the benefits of a spousal green card?
A spousal green card grants full lawful permanent resident status. The holder can live and work anywhere in the United States, travel internationally, obtain a Social Security number, and access most federal benefits. After three years of permanent residency while married to and living with the US citizen spouse, the green card holder becomes eligible to apply for US citizenship through naturalization.
What happens after I receive a conditional (CR-1) green card?
Conditional residents must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, jointly with their spouse during the 90-day window before the two-year green card expires. This filing requires evidence that the marriage is ongoing and genuine. Once approved, the conditions are removed and a standard ten-year green card is issued. If the marriage has ended due to divorce, abuse, or the spouse’s death, the conditional resident can file I-751 with a waiver of the joint filing requirement.
How much does the spousal green card process cost?
The government filing fee for Form I-130 is $535. If adjusting status within the US, the I-485 filing fee is $1,225 (which includes biometrics). Consular processing involves a $325 immigrant visa application fee and a $220 USCIS immigrant fee. Additional costs include medical examinations, document translations, and civil document procurement. These fees are subject to change, so applicants should verify current amounts on the USCIS and Department of State websites.
Further reading
- Visa Bulletin and Priority
- Family-Based Green Cards: K-1, CR-1, and IR-1 Visas Explained
- US Naturalization: The Path from Green Card to Citizenship
- Permanent Residency in the US: All Paths Explained
- Outline of the US Visa Process
- From Student Visa to Green Card: F-1 Pathways and What to Plan For
- EB-5 Visa: Permanent Residency Through Investment in the US
- National Interest Waiver (EB-2 NIW): A Green Card Without an Employer
- Consular Processing vs Adjustment of Status: Which Path to Your Green Card?
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