Family Petitions Lawyers in Florida, Focused on Clear Next Steps

This page explains how family petitions lawyers in Florida handle the filing that starts a green card case for a relative. It covers what the petition is, what the firm handles, how the steps move, and how to start. Adriana Gomez is the responsible lawyer for this page. AG Immigration Law P.A. focuses on immigration law, including family petitions, adjustment of status and removal defense.

What a Family Petition Is and Who It Is For

A family petition is Form I-130, filed to prove a family relationship to a relative. 8 CFR 204.1 says a citizen or permanent resident who petitions for a qualifying relative must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.

The petitioner is the U.S. citizen or green card holder. The beneficiary is the relative. USCIS approves the petition when the petitioner is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident and a qualifying relationship exists, as the USCIS family-based petition policy explains. The petition comes first. Any green card or visa step comes after.

Under 8 U.S.C. § 1151, the term “immediate relatives” means the children, spouses, and parents of a citizen of the United States, except that, in the case of parents, the citizen must be at least 21 years of age. Immediate relatives are the children, spouses and parents of a U.S. citizen. 8 U.S.C. § 1151 reads: “In the case of an alien who was the spouse of a citizen of the United States and was not legally separated from the citizen at the time of the citizen’s death, the alien (and each child of the alien) shall be considered, for purposes of this subsection, to remain an immediate relative after the date of the citizen’s death but only if the spouse files a petition under section 1154(a)(1)(A)(ii) of this title within 2 years after such date and only until the date the spouse remarries.” For parents, the citizen must be at least 21, under 8 U.S.C. § 1151. Other relatives fall into family preference categories with annual limits, so the category affects timing.

This page is for U.S. citizens and green card holders in Florida who want to petition for a spouse, child, parent or sibling. Families in Miami, Broward County and Orlando may contact our team to discuss their immigration matter.

What the Family Petitions Service Covers

The service covers the petition, the evidence behind it, and follow-up with USCIS. Our team handles these parts:

• An initial review of the petitioner’s status, the relationship and the correct category.
• Preparing and filing Form I-130 with supporting records.
• Evidence such as birth, marriage and divorce records, plus proof of the petitioner’s status.
• Responding to Requests for Evidence and tracking the case after filing.
• Planning the next step, such as adjustment of status in the U.S. or processing abroad.
• Removal defense when a relative is already in removal proceedings.

On evidence, primary records come first when they exist. 8 CFR 204.1 allows secondary evidence when primary evidence is not available. For self-petitions by a qualified spouse or child of an abusive citizen or lawful permanent resident, the Service will consider any credible evidence, and the self-petitioner may, but is not required to, show that preferred primary or secondary evidence is unavailable.

For adjustment, 8 U.S.C. § 1255 sets out the basic test. The applicant must have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States (or hold an approved VAWA self-petition), must be eligible for an immigrant visa and admissible, and an immigrant visa must be immediately available when the application is filed.

How the Process Works: Step by Step

The process moves in clear stages, from first contact to the USCIS decision.

1. Contact us to discuss your case. Reach out by form, phone or WhatsApp to book a paid consultation.
2. Review the facts. We look at family history, status documents and past filings to pick the right petition and category.
3. Gather evidence. You get a checklist for the petitioner and the beneficiary.
4. File the petition. We prepare and file Form I-130, then keep copies and receipts.
5. Watch for USCIS notices. An approval comes on Form I-797.
6. Answer any requests. We respond to any Request for Evidence and prepare for the next filing.

The stages are filing, receipt, review and decision. USCIS sets the pace of each stage, so a complete first filing matters most.

Common Family Petition Situations in Florida

Family petitions in Florida often involve spouses, children, parents or siblings. Each case turns on category, documents and history.

Relatives with prior history. A relative with an earlier removal order or a denied petition needs a plan before filing. In removal cases, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b ties some relief to exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying relative.

The burden of proof. The applicant carries the burden. 8 U.S.C. § 1361 says the applicant must establish eligibility for the visa or document requested.

Why Work With AG Immigration Law P.A.

AG Immigration Law P.A. focuses on immigration law. The firm handles removal defense, adjustment of status, family petitions, naturalization, removal of conditions on green cards, waivers and BIA appeals.

• Responsible lawyer: Adriana Gomez is responsible for this page.
• Support staff: Assistants and office staff help track documents, deadlines and USCIS correspondence.
• One practice for related steps: The family petition and any adjustment or removal issue are handled in one place, so the whole picture stays in view.
• Referrals: If a matter may be referred to another lawyer or firm, we will tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consultation and Fees

Consultations with the firm are paid. A consultation covers the relationship, the status documents, the right category and the recommended next step.

Government filing fees are separate from attorney fees. The firm will confirm the full amount in writing before any work begins.

Start Your Family Petition With AG Immigration Law

If you’re a citizen or green card holder preparing to petition for a spouse or child in Florida, the next step is a conversation about your documents and relationship. Use the contact form, call the office, or message us on WhatsApp to book a paid consultation.