Bringing families together is at the heart of what we do. We simplify the immigration process for spouses, children, parents, and siblings to reunite loved ones.
We help you understand which family petition best applies to your situation, from marriage-based green cards to parental sponsorships.
Our team handles all required documentation, ensuring your application is completed correctly and submitted without delays.
We stay with you through every step—filing, interviews, and approval—until your family member is successfully granted legal status.
Form I-130, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members for lawful permanent residence in the United States. At The Jurado Firm, we help families navigate this essential step in the immigration process to reunite with loved ones and build a future together.
The purpose of Form I-130 is to establish a valid family relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) and their foreign national relative. It is the first step in the family-based immigration process. Filing this petition does not grant a green card on its own, but it does start the process for eligible family members to apply for an immigrant visa (if abroad) or adjustment of status (if already in the U.S.).
Once the I-130 petition is approved by USCIS, the beneficiary (family member) must complete additional immigration steps:
1. If outside the U.S.:
2. If inside the U.S.:
The full process can take several months to years, depending on the relationship, visa category, and country of origin.
If you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident seeking to bring a family member to live in the United States, the first step is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This crucial form, submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), establishes your qualifying relationship with your family member and begins the immigration process.
Form I-130 is used to sponsor eligible family members for a family-based green card. Once approved, it allows your relative to apply for an immigrant visa through a process called consular processing, conducted at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Steps:
The timeline varies depending on:
-Visa category and country of origin
-USCIS and NVC case processing times
-Interview availability at U.S. consulates
-Background checks or requests for additional documentation
Processing can take several months to a few years, so starting early and ensuring all documentation is complete is essential.
Are you trying to bring a loved one to the United States or help them obtain lawful permanent residence? Understanding the I-130 and I-601A waiver processes is essential for families navigating the U.S. immigration system. At The Jurado Firm, we guide clients through these two critical steps toward obtaining a green card based on family relationships—while minimizing separation and delays.
The I-601A waiver is used by individuals who have been unlawfully present in the U.S. for more than 180 days. Unlawful presence can result in a 3-year or 10-year reentry bar, even for individuals who qualify for a green card.
The I-601A provisional waiver of inadmissibility allows eligible applicants to apply for a waiver before leaving the U.S. for their immigrant visa interview abroad. This helps reduce the risk of long-term family separation.
-You must have an approved I-130 petition
-Be physically present in the U.S. at the time of filing
-Be the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
-Demonstrate that your U.S. family member would suffer extreme hardship if you are not allowed to return
These two processes often go hand-in-hand for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens or green card holders:
1. File Form I-130 to prove a valid family relationship
2. Once approved, file Form I-601A to waive the unlawful presence bar
3. Attend the visa interview abroad with the waiver already approved
4. Return to the U.S. and receive lawful permanent resident status (green card)
Watch this video to learn:
What to expect in your case
How our process works
Common immigration challenges
Steps to achieve legal status
The Jurado Firm proudly serves the Los Angeles area and beyond with expert guidance in a myriad practice areas.
See how we've helped individuals, families, and businesses navigate the immigration process with confidence and success.
Jesus
"Working with the Jurado Firm, particularly Whitney Jurado, was an absolute game-changer for us. As an immigration attorney, Whitney exceeded all our expectations, not once, but twice—first, when my partner applied for his residency card after we got married, and again when it came time for renewal. Both experiences were nothing short of phenomenal.
What sets Whitney and Carlos Jurado apart is not just their unparalleled expertise in immigration law, but their genuine empathy and support for their clients. As an LGBT couple, finding professionals who not only understand but also respect and champion your rights can be challenging. Whitney and Carlos are those rare gems who make you feel seen, heard, and valued. Their dedication to fostering better opportunities for people like us in the USA is truly commendable.
In a world where the legal process can often feel daunting and impersonal, Whitney and Carlos Jurado stand out for their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to their clients' best interests. Anyone looking for immigration attorneys would be hard-pressed to find a team more dedicated, knowledgeable, and supportive than the Jurado Firm. They are, without a doubt, the best immigration attorneys anyone could ever hope to work with."
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"I extend my deepest gratitude to my attorney Whitney for her excellent legal representation in my asylum case. Their professionalism, experience and dedication were fundamental to obtaining a successful result. Also to my legal assistant Xiomara, I deeply appreciate her excellent work on my case. Her ability to explain every detail of the process to me clearly and concisely was invaluable. And of course, thank you to the entire Jurado Firm team. They were always available to answer my questions and I was kept informed at all times."
Derling
"Hello to all those people who want to begin an immigration process such as an adjustment of status, please allow me to recommend the Jurado Firm. I am in process and I am very happy with your service and assistance at all times. Thanks to the lawyer and his assistant, Miss Stephanie, who is an essential person who has helped us from the beginning and they already gave me my work permit. Thank you very much, Miss Stephanie, and also to the entire team who make it possible to achieve this dream."
Garcia Family
"I was able to get a free consultation with Attorney Carlos at The Jurado Firm and eventually I decided to go with them. My legal assistant was Stephanie at the Bakersfield address and overall my experience was made quick and easy. I started with them in spring of 2023 which were a quiet few months because I had to get all my documents in order but in December 2023. I submitted my documents and after the holidays in February 2024 they submitted my Adjustment of status and I received my green card in just under 45 days in March of 2024."
The Mendoza's
Navigating immigration law can be complex—here are the most common questions we receive to help guide you through the process.
U.S. citizens and green card holders can petition for spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
It varies by relationship and country; immediate relatives of U.S. citizens typically have shorter wait times.
Yes, a K-1 visa allows fiancés to enter the U.S. and apply for a green card after marriage.
We can review the denial and determine if an appeal or new application is possible.
Yes, the petitioner must show they can financially support the immigrant with Form I-864.
Your immigration journey starts here—let our dedicated team guide you through every step with expertise, compassion, and unwavering support.