Sherman Oaks Family-Based Visa Attorney
Helping Clients Sponsor Family Members for a Green Cards
If you are a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident but your immediate family member is not, you have the unique ability to “sponsor” them for a special category of green card. These family-based immigrant visas can grant lawful permanent residency to both “preference relatives” and “immediate relatives.”
Navigating the family-based immigrant visa process can be confusing. Our Sherman Oaks family-based visa lawyer Anaida Zadykyan at Zadykyan Law can guide you through each step, identifying options available to you and your family and the most efficient, pragmatic means of seeking your family-based green card.
We can answer all of your questions on family-based immigrant visas. Call (818) 600-6322 or contact us online to request a free consultation. Our services are also available in Russian and Armenian.
Types of Sponsorship Categories
As mentioned above, there are two types of sponsorship categories. Each has its own set of eligibility requirements, quotas, and application timelines.
Immediate relatives are defined as any of the following:
- Parent of a U.S. citizen
- Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- Minor, unmarried children of a U.S. citizen
An unlimited number of immediate relative visas can be issued during any given year, meaning there are no caps or availability waiting periods. Applicants will still have to wait some number of months for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process and accept their applications, but otherwise, there should be no arbitrary delays.
Preference relatives are defined as the following:
- Siblings of a U.S. citizen (if the citizen is at least 21 years-old)
- Adult, married children of a U.S. citizen
- Unmarried children of a U.S. lawful permanent resident
- Spouse of a U.S. lawful permanent resident
Lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, are able to sponsor their spouses and unmarried children but do not receive the “immediate relatives” classification – and the ease and priority that comes with it. Note that many types of family – grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts – are excluded from either sponsorship category. This is intentional, as U.S. citizens and green card holders are intended to only be able to sponsor their more immediate family members. However, should a citizen sponsor their parents, for example, and they eventually become citizens, the naturalized parent would be able to sponsor their sibling (the original citizen’s aunt or uncle) under the preference relative category. This process is sometimes referred to as “chain migration,” and, despite its politicization, is completely legal and acceptable.
- Related: Family-Based Visa FAQ
We want to help your loved one get their green card. Dial (818) 600-6322 or contact us online to get started. We speak English, Russian, and Armenian!
The Steps for Sponsoring a Loved One
Our Sherman Oaks family-based visa attorney can guide you through each of the steps of sponsoring a family member for their green card. This process can be confusing to those not familiar with immigration law or communicating with USCIS.
We can assist you with preparing and filing Form I-130. Called the Petition for an Alien Relative, the sponsoring citizen or lawful permanent resident must submit this application in most circumstances. This will include copies of numerous documents, including those pertaining to both the identity and status of the sponsor and the relative being sponsored. A genuine familial relationship will have to be established.
In cases with immediate relatives, immigrant relatives may be able to simultaneously apply for their green card, saving time. Those in the preference relatives category will have to wait months or even years for USCIS approval in order to proceed. Any mistakes, errors, or omissions on Form I-130 could lead to your application’s rejection – even if you have waited years for a response from USCIS. That is why it is critical you retain the services of experienced legal representation to help you sponsor your family members. Reach out to our immigration attorney in Sherman Oaks today!

Let Us Make Family Sponsorship Easier
Why Hire Zadykyan Law?
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Individualized Approach
We take the time to listen, answer your questions and create a tailored strategy to accomplish your goals.
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Compassionate Representation
We care about our clients and go the extra mile to ensure every detail is taken care of throughout the process.
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Affordable & Accessible
We offer free consultations through phone, video, WhatsApp & Zoom for your convenience and safety.
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Flexible
We offer same-day, after-hour, and weekend appointments to meet your busy schedule.
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Trilingual
We serve our clients in English, Russian, and Armenian.
