Family immigration is one of the most meaningful pathways to lawful permanent residence in the United States. For many Miami residents, the ability to bring loved ones to the U.S. and reunite families is both a personal dream and a complex legal process. Sponsoring a relative for a green card involves multiple steps, strict eligibility requirements, and close coordination with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Working with an experienced Miami immigration lawyer can make all the difference in ensuring that your petition is handled correctly and efficiently.
At Pozo Goldstein, LLP, our team of former immigration prosecutors and seasoned immigration attorneys has helped countless families in South Florida navigate the green card sponsorship process. With decades of combined experience, the firm understands how to streamline the process, anticipate challenges, and guide clients through every stage of family-based immigration.
Understanding Family-Based Green Cards
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to petition for certain relatives to receive permanent residency. These cases generally fall into two categories:
- Immediate Relatives – This includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens (age 21 or older). There is no numerical cap on green cards issued to immediate relatives, meaning these applications typically move faster.
- Family Preference Categories – This includes adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, spouses and unmarried children of green card holders, and siblings of U.S. citizens. These categories are subject to annual visa limits, leading to longer wait times depending on the applicant’s country of origin and category.
An experienced Miami family immigration lawyer can help determine which category applies to your case and estimate the potential timeline based on the current visa bulletin.
Step 1: Filing the Family Petition (Form I-130)
The first step in sponsoring a family member is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes your qualifying relationship with your relative and starts the process with USCIS. The petitioner must provide supporting evidence, such as:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence
- Photos or communication records showing a genuine family relationship
Any error or omission can delay the process or trigger a denial. The immigration attorneys at Pozo Goldstein, LLP carefully prepare and review I-130 submissions to ensure they meet all USCIS requirements. Their deep knowledge of the Miami USCIS field office procedures and local immigration trends helps their clients avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Step 2: Determining Where Your Relative Will Apply
After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the next step depends on whether your relative is inside or outside the United States:
- Adjustment of Status (AOS): If your relative is already in the U.S. legally, they may apply for a green card through Form I-485 without leaving the country. This is often the preferred route for immediate relatives who entered lawfully.
- Consular Processing: If your relative is abroad, they must complete their immigrant visa application at a U.S. consulate in their home country. Once approved, they can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Because each process has unique requirements and risks, consulting a Miami immigration lawyer before proceeding ensures your case follows the best and most efficient path.
Step 3: Meeting the Financial Sponsorship Requirement
One of the most critical parts of sponsoring a family member is proving that you can financially support them. The petitioner must file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, demonstrating income at or above 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. This requirement ensures that the new immigrant will not become dependent on public assistance.
If your income falls short, other household members or joint sponsors can help meet the financial threshold. Attorneys at Pozo Goldstein, LLP frequently assist Miami residents in preparing these forms and gathering the correct documentation—such as tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs—to ensure compliance and avoid delays.
Step 4: Preparing for Interviews and Medical Exams
Once the paperwork is complete and reviewed, your relative will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment and, later, an interview with a USCIS officer (for Adjustment of Status) or a consular officer abroad. During this stage, accuracy, consistency, and preparation are essential.
The attorneys at Pozo Goldstein, LLP regularly prepare clients for these interviews, conducting mock sessions and reviewing possible questions. Their inside knowledge—gained from years of experience and their background as former immigration prosecutors—provides a distinct advantage when dealing with USCIS and consular officials.
Step 5: Receiving the Green Card
If everything goes smoothly, your relative will receive approval and a green card, officially granting them lawful permanent resident status. For family members abroad, the card typically arrives a few weeks after entering the U.S. For those adjusting status within the country, it arrives by mail after USCIS finalizes the approval.
While the process may appear straightforward on paper, real-world complications—such as prior visa overstays, missing documentation, or criminal issues—can create significant obstacles. That’s why having an experienced Miami family immigration lawyer from Pozo Goldstein, LLP is so valuable. Their attorneys are skilled in resolving complex immigration issues and appealing unfavorable decisions when necessary.
Why Choose Pozo Goldstein, LLP
Pozo Goldstein, LLP is one of Miami’s leading immigration law firms, known for its personalized service and exceptional legal insight. The firm’s partners include former immigration prosecutors and a former U.S. judge, giving them a deep understanding of how immigration cases are reviewed and decided.
Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, their attorneys are dedicated to reuniting families and guiding clients through every detail of the process. Located in the heart of Miami, Pozo Goldstein, LLP proudly serves clients from across South Florida and around the world.
Contact a Miami Immigration Lawyer Today
Sponsoring a relative for a green card is one of the most rewarding ways to help your family build a life together in the United States. However, the process can be legally demanding and emotionally taxing. The skilled team at Pozo Goldstein, LLP can help you file correctly, meet all financial and legal requirements, and overcome any challenges that arise along the way.
If you’re ready to begin the family sponsorship process, contact Pozo Goldstein, LLP today to speak with an experienced Miami immigration lawyer. Their knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys will ensure your family’s future in the U.S. is built on a solid legal foundation. Call 305-856-0400.
