Family-Based Immigration Attorney in Allentown, Pennsylvania
We help couples and families across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and beyond secure lawful status, green cards, and citizenship through careful, compassionate representation.
Before you file anything, confirm eligibility and risk flags first. A short consultation can prevent avoidable denials, RFEs, and costly delays.
Reuniting families with clear, careful strategy.
At Lehigh Valley Immigration Law, we treat every family-based case as more than a form. It is your family’s safety, stability, and long-term future.
From consult to final decision, we build an organized filing plan, prepare complete evidence, and help you respond to USCIS or NVC requests with confidence.
Whether your relative is in the U.S. or abroad, we identify the right pathway, highlight risk flags early, and coordinate filings so each step supports the next.
Families often come to us after confusing online advice. Our job is to turn uncertainty into a practical action plan you can follow.
Family-based immigration cases we handle.
We represent U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and mixed-status families in the Lehigh Valley and nationwide.
Our services include:
- Marriage-based green cards and concurrent I-130/I-485 filings
- Consular processing for spouses and children abroad
- Fiancé(e) visas (K-1/K-2) and transition to permanent residence
- Petitions for parents, step-children, and other qualifying relatives
- Removal of conditions on residence (I-751), including waiver cases
- Naturalization and citizenship applications (N-400)
- I-601 and I-601A waivers for unlawful presence and inadmissibility issues
If a case includes prior entries, criminal allegations, or immigration court history, strategy must be sequenced carefully before filing.
How the family green card process works
Most family cases move through a few core tracks. The right track depends on relationship category, current location, entry history, and admissibility issues.
Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Adjustment of Status is typically used when the intending immigrant is already in the U.S. and eligible to file Form I-485. In many marriage cases, families submit I-130 and I-485 together when legally allowed. Typical evidence includes proof of lawful entry, civil documents, relationship evidence, and financial sponsorship forms.
After filing, families usually receive biometrics, possible work/travel benefit applications, and eventually an interview or decision notice. Case preparation should anticipate consistency checks across forms, prior filings, and identity records.
Consular Processing (DS-260)
Consular processing is often used when the relative lives abroad. After petition approval, cases move through the National Visa Center and then to a U.S. consulate interview. Families should prepare civil records, police certificates when required, and updated relationship evidence before interview scheduling.
Consular cases can involve additional strategy questions if unlawful presence or inadmissibility issues are present. Review a consular processing guide early and coordinate timelines with any waiver planning.
Affidavit of Support (I-864)
The I-864 Affidavit of Support confirms qualifying financial sponsorship. Petitioners often need tax returns, W-2s, proof of current income, and household-size analysis. If income is insufficient, a joint sponsor may be required.
Income questions delay many cases. Early calculation helps prevent avoidable RFEs and lets families collect proper evidence before submission.
Removal of Conditions (I-751)
Conditional residents generally file I-751 to remove conditions and obtain a 10-year card. Couples normally file jointly with updated marriage evidence. In some situations, waiver filing may be necessary due to divorce, abuse, or other qualifying factors.
Because filing windows and evidence strategy matter, many families use legal guidance before filing an I-751 removal of conditions case.
Evidence checklist for family-based immigration filings
A complete filing is about quality and consistency, not just volume. Organizing evidence by topic reduces confusion and supports faster review.
Relationship evidence
- Shared residence documents: lease, mortgage, utility bills, and mail.
- Financial co-mingling: joint bank activity, insurance, taxes, and major purchases.
- Photos across dates and locations with family or friends.
- Affidavits from people with first-hand knowledge of the relationship.
- Communication history, travel records, and event documentation.
Identity and civil documents
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any required certified translations.
- Divorce decrees, annulment orders, or death certificates from prior marriages.
- Passports, I-94 records, visa history, and government-issued photo IDs.
- Address and name consistency records across all forms and exhibits.
Special situations
- Prior marriages and blended-family timelines.
- Children from current or prior relationships and custody-related records.
- Legal name changes and documentation linking old and new identities.
- Prior immigration filings, denials, or interview notes that affect credibility.
Evidence needs vary case by case. A consultation helps tailor the checklist and identify missing items before you file.
If inadmissibility concerns are present, review waiver options and align evidence strategy early.
Common issues that change strategy
Two families can have similar goals but very different legal risk profiles. These issues often require a tailored filing sequence.
Overstay or unlawful presence
Unlawful presence can affect whether adjustment is available or whether waiver planning is needed before consular steps. Strategy matters because timing and travel decisions can create avoidable complications.
Entry without inspection (EWI)
Entry history directly affects available pathways. For some families, reviewing records and waiver eligibility first is essential before any filing.
Prior denials or RFEs
Past filings can create consistency concerns. A clean strategy addresses prior statements, updates evidence quality, and prepares a stronger explanation framework.
Arrests or criminal charges
Not every arrest has the same immigration impact. Certified records, disposition documents, and legal analysis should be reviewed before filing to reduce risk of delay or denial.
Prior removal or immigration court history
Court or removal history can significantly change case posture. Early review helps align family petitions with any needed defensive or reopening strategy.
Why a strategy consult can save months of stress
High-intent families usually consult before filing because early planning can reduce avoidable setbacks.
- Avoid RFEs by filing organized evidence and complete forms from the start.
- Reduce delay by choosing the right path and sequencing documents correctly.
- Identify possible waiver needs early instead of discovering them after a denial.
Family-based immigration help for spouses, children, parents & fiancé(e)s
If you’re filing for a spouse visa, marriage-based green card, I-130 petition, I-485 adjustment, consular processing, or I-751, we help build a clean case from day one.
Our office serves clients in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and across Pennsylvania with nationwide representation. We focus on strategy, organization, and interview preparation.
Common concerns include prior entries, unlawful presence, denials, RFEs, and waiver planning.
Do you qualify for a family green card path?
Answer these 4 questions to understand which process may apply and what risks to flag early.
Helpful resources for family immigration
These pages help families learn key issues and continue exploring your site.
Family-based immigration questions
Quick answers to common questions before filing.
Start your family-based immigration case today.
A confidential consultation helps you understand options, risks, and realistic next steps before filing.
We review your immigration history, family category, and evidence plan, then provide a practical strategy matched to your goals.
