Family Immigration

Family-based immigration is one of the most common ways to obtain lawful permanent residency in the U.S. In Minneapolis, the process begins when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The purpose of this petition is to prove the qualifying family relationship, such as spouse, child, parent, or sibling. Once approved, the immigrant relative may either apply for an immigrant visa abroad through consular processing or file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) in the U.S. if eligible. The process varies depending on whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder and whether the relative falls under the “immediate relative” or “family preference” category. Wait times can range from months to several years depending on visa availability. At Goss Law, we guide families in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities through each step, ensuring petitions are supported with the correct documents and filed on time. Because errors or incomplete filings often result in long delays, working with a Minneapolis family immigration lawyer helps families reunite faster and with fewer complications.

The relatives you can sponsor for lawful permanent residency depend on your immigration status. U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouse, unmarried children under 21, married or unmarried adult children, parents (if the citizen is 21 or older), and siblings. Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children. Relatives who qualify as “immediate relatives” (spouses, unmarried minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens) have visas immediately available, which speeds up the process. All other categories fall under the “family preference” system, which is subject to annual caps and country-specific quotas, often resulting in long wait times. For example, siblings of U.S. citizens from certain countries may wait over a decade for a visa number to become available. In Minneapolis, families navigating sponsorship must be careful to choose the right category, submit accurate petitions, and stay aware of priority dates. At Goss Law, we help families understand which relatives they can sponsor, how long the process may take, and what steps are required. A family immigration lawyer in Minnesota ensures that petitions are filed correctly, reducing the risk of denials or avoidable delays.

The processing time for family-based immigration depends heavily on the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—spouses, minor children, and parents—the process may take around 12 to 24 months, depending on USCIS backlogs and local interview scheduling in Minneapolis. For family preference categories, such as adult children or siblings of U.S. citizens, the wait can extend to several years or even over a decade due to annual visa limits. Permanent residents sponsoring spouses or unmarried children also face multi-year waits in many cases. After the I-130 petition is approved, applicants must complete either adjustment of status (if already in the U.S.) or consular processing abroad, which adds additional time. Processing is also affected by background checks, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and interview availability at the USCIS Twin Cities field office. At Goss Law, we provide families with realistic timelines and frequent updates, so they know what to expect. While no lawyer can shorten government backlogs, a Minneapolis immigration attorney ensures that your application is error-free and well-prepared, reducing unnecessary delays and helping your family stay informed throughout the process.

A marriage-based Green Card requires extensive documentation to prove the marriage is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes. Couples in Minneapolis must submit a marriage certificate and provide supporting evidence of a shared life together. This may include joint bank statements, tax returns filed together, leases or mortgages in both names, utility bills, insurance policies, photos of the couple with family and friends, travel records, and affidavits from people who know the relationship is real. USCIS officers in the Twin Cities often ask detailed questions during the marriage interview, focusing on daily routines, family history, and personal details to confirm authenticity. Couples should be prepared for both joint interviews and, in some cases, separate questioning. At Goss Law, we help clients prepare strong evidence packets and conduct mock interviews so applicants feel confident. We emphasize credibility and consistency, as inconsistencies can raise red flags. A Minneapolis family immigration lawyer ensures your evidence meets USCIS expectations, minimizing the risk of delays or denials. Because marriage-based petitions face close scrutiny, careful preparation is the key to success in family immigration cases.

While it is possible to file a family immigration petition without an attorney, many families in Minneapolis choose to work with a lawyer to avoid costly mistakes. USCIS forms are complex, and missing documents, errors, or inconsistencies often lead to denials or long delays. A family immigration lawyer in Minnesota provides value beyond filling out forms. At Goss Law, we evaluate eligibility, explain priority categories, and create personalized checklists so nothing is overlooked. We also prepare clients for interviews, help gather relationship evidence, and respond to Requests for Evidence if USCIS requires additional documentation. Families sponsoring relatives abroad benefit from guidance on consular processing, while those adjusting status in the U.S. need help with timing, affidavits of support, and maintaining lawful presence. Our approach is honest and practical—we do not overpromise results but focus on preparing the strongest possible petition. By working with a Minneapolis immigration attorney, families reduce stress, avoid delays, and improve their chances of successful reunification. While not legally required, experienced legal help often makes the difference between a smooth process and years of unnecessary obstacles.