For families living in the United States, staying connected with parents, spouses, and children is a lifelong priority. There is value in keeping the family together even within immigration rules, and this is why steps like family reunification in Houston are legally provided. But this path involves complex rules, long wait times, and document-heavy procedures.
At Orange Law Firm, Houston immigration lawyer Karan Joshi works closely with families across Harris County and beyond. His focus is clear: to provide reliable, timely legal support for those trying to sponsor a relative for a green card and complete the reunification process without unnecessary delays.
What Is Family Reunification in Houston?
Family reunification in Houston refers to a process where U.S. citizens and green card holders legally bring certain family members to live in the United States. It’s a foundational part of immigration law—but one that depends on strict eligibility, government quotas, and filing deadlines.
Even a minor paperwork error or a missing affidavit can result in a denied petition. That’s why it’s important to work with a family-based immigration lawyer in Houston—to minimize errors and ensure each step is completed smoothly.
Who Can File a Family-Based Petition?
Your immigration status determines who you can legally sponsor:
- U.S. Citizens may file for:
- Spouse
- Children (married or unmarried)
- Parents (must be 21 or older)
- Siblings
- Green Card Holders may file for:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried adult children
Every category falls into a visa preference group. For example, a U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse or parent falls into the “immediate relative” category, which has no visa limits and shorter processing times. But others, like adult siblings, must wait years due to limited annual visa numbers, especially those from countries with high demand.
Immediate Relatives vs. Family Preference Categories
The immigration process is a little easier for immediate relatives of US citizens as they get benefits that are not given to other categories. These include:
- No visa caps
- Faster processing
- No waitlist
Close relatives of a U.S. citizen, such as their spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents (when the sponsor is 21 or older), are considered immediate relatives. Other relationships fall into the family preference categories, which are subject to annual limits and multi-year delays.
Sometimes people get confused as to which visa category their relative falls under—to clear this confusion, it is best to take the help of a knowledgeable immigration attorney in Houston, who explains both the timeline and paperwork.
Step-by-Step: How Family Reunification Works
The legal process for family reunification in Houston typically follows these steps:
1. Filing Form I-130
The petitioner (a U.S. citizen or green card holder) files Form I-130 with USCIS. This form establishes the qualifying family relationship.
2. Gathering and Submitting Evidence
Supporting documents include: Birth certificates, Marriage certificates, Petitioner must prove he or she is a US citizen or green card holder passport copy, naturalization certificate, or scan of green card., Evidence of a genuine relationship (photos, affidavits), In rare cases, DNA test results
3. USCIS Approval
After approval, the file is sent to NVC, where they collect the visa fees and necessary documents like Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
4. Consular Processing
If the relative is abroad, the case goes to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate. The applicant has to clear a proper medical test, background check and embassy interview to complete the visa process.
5. Interview and Visa Issuance
At the interview, the consular officer reviews the case. If everything is in order, the visa is issued. The relative can then travel to the U.S. and receive permanent resident status.
Delays and Common Roadblocks
Even the most straightforward case can run into issues. These include:
- Incomplete or outdated forms
- Missing relationship evidence
- Country-specific visa backlogs
- Long waits for background checks
- Need for waivers (I-601 or I-601A)
Working under the guidance of a Houston immigration lawyer can help avoid hassles, especially when it comes to paperwork or legal formalities.
Why Work with a Family-Based Immigration Lawyer in Houston?
The process to sponsor a relative for a green card is technical and unforgiving. Filing the wrong version of a form, omitting a key document, or failing to reply to a USCIS request can set your case back months—or cause it to be denied outright.
Attorney Karan Joshi provides comprehensive support for family reunification in Houston, including:
- Reviewing eligibility and relationship category
- Filing the correct forms on time
- Preparing affidavits and supporting documentation
- Coaching for embassy interviews
- Filing waivers in complex cases (such as prior unlawful presence or past denials)
- Pursuing appeals when necessary
As a trusted immigration attorney in Houston, he ensures no step is left to chance.
Family Reunification Is Like a Legal Puzzle
Every immigration petition is like a puzzle. Every document, signature and timeline is an important piece. If even one thing like an affidavit or proof of relationship is missing, the whole process can be delayed.
Karan Joshi handles every family case as if it is a puzzle to be completed. The working style of Orange Law Firm is fast and according to the needs of the client. With the right legal support, your family can achieve lasting stability through lawful immigration.
Start Your Family Reunification Case Today
If you’re planning to sponsor a relative for a green card, now is the time to act. Immigration timelines can span months or years, depending on your case type.
Contact Orange Law Firm to speak directly with a Houston immigration lawyer. Attorney Karan Joshi brings experience, attention to detail, and a client-first approach to every case involving family reunification in Houston.
- Call today for a free consultation: 713-885-9787
- Visit: orangelaw.us
- Serving families in Houston, Harris County, and nearby Texas areas
Let Orange Law help your family come together—lawfully and confidently.
