Family Sponsorship: Your Path to Permanent U.S. Residency
If you hope to build a life in the United States with your loved ones, applying for a green card through family sponsorship may be the best path forward. At SRR Law Group LLC, we understand immigration isn’t just a legal process—it’s deeply personal. Whether you’re reuniting with a spouse, sponsoring a parent, or want to bring your children to the U.S., your case deserves empathy, urgency, and steadfast advocacy.
Led by Attorney Stacey Rogers—an immigrant herself—we bring experience and a profound understanding of the challenges. We know what it’s like to be on the other side of the immigration process. That’s why the Minnesota immigration lawyers at SRR Law Group fight hard for our clients—just like we would for our family.
What Is a Family-Based Green Card?
A family-based green card allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs, also known as green card holders) to sponsor certain family members to live and work permanently in the United States. The process falls under U.S. immigration law but often intersects with state-level considerations—especially in a supportive legal environment like Minnesota’s. There are two primary categories of sponsorships possible:
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
- Spouses
- Unmarried children under 21
- Parents
Family Preference Categories for Green Card Holders
- Siblings
- Adult children
- Spouses or children
The Green Card Sponsorship Process: Step-by-Step
When you hire SRR Law Group LLC, we take all the stress out of the legal process. We ask you simple, straightforward questions; we can do the complicated legal work on your behalf so you can remain relaxed and fully informed. Here are the actions your immigration attorney will take for you.
1. Establish the Family Relationship
Establishing your family relationships begins with Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves the relationship to the person you’re sponsoring, such as a spouse or minor child.
2. Wait for a Visa Number
Waiting for a Visa number is often the longest part of the process. Immediate relatives don’t have to wait. It is best to file through a U.S. citizen spouse, for example, if you qualify, rather than using a sibling who has a green card. Preference categories can sometimes wait for years because of the tight annual limits on the number of Visas provided per country. The waiting list can be extensive in high-demand countries like Mexico and India. By working with SRR Law Group LLC, our immigration attorneys work hard to ensure you qualify for the most direct route to U.S. residency based on your situation.
We ensure your documentation is perfect; minor errors in immigration applications can cause months or years of delay during this critical process.
3. Apply for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
If your relative is in the U.S., they may be able to apply for a green card through Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). If they’re outside the U.S., they’ll go through Consular Processing in their home country. Your Minnesota immigration lawyer will be able to determine which approach best suits your case.
4. Attend the Interview and Biometrics Appointment
After the application is submitted, your family member is scheduled for biometrics collection (fingerprints, photo, and signature) and an immigration interview—either at a local USCIS office (for Adjustment of Status) or at a U.S. consulate abroad (for Consular Processing). At SRR Law Group LLC, we help your loved one prepare for the interview, so they know what to expect and are confident walking in. We ensure:
- All documents are organized
- The officer’s questions won’t catch them off guard
- Your relationship is clearly documented
5. Receive the Visa and Enter the United States
If approved, your family member will receive their green card in the mail (if adjusting status in the U.S.) or a visa in their passport allowing them to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. Once they arrive in the United States, their physical green card will typically be mailed to them within a few weeks. SRR Law Group LLC monitors the final steps closely and ensures everything arrives as expected. We will celebrate your success when your visa comes—you and your loved one can focus on your new life together!
What Documents Do I Need to Sponsor My Family Member’s Green Card?
The family-based green card process requires gathering thorough documentation to prove the sponsor’s eligibility and the validity of the family relationship. Missing or unclear documents are common reasons for delays or denials. You’ll need the following supporting documents:
- Birth certificates (for both the sponsor and beneficiary)
- Marriage certificate (if sponsoring a spouse)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card)
- Evidence of a bona fide relationship, such as:
- Joint bank accounts
- Photos together
- Travel records
- Lease agreements or shared bills
- Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)
- Financial evidence for the sponsor (tax returns, pay stubs, Form I-864 Affidavit of Support)
At SRR Law Group LLC, we understand that gathering all the required supporting documentation is challenging. That’s why Attorney Rogers and her team guide every client through document collection, checking to ensure they are correct to help you avoid a delay or denial.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for a green card through family sponsorship might seem straightforward, but the process can go off track. Some of the most common mistakes we see include:
- Submitting incomplete or outdated forms
- Forgetting to include required supporting documents
- Missing deadlines or failing to respond to USCIS requests
- Failing to disclose past immigration violations or criminal history
- Inconsistencies between forms and documents (such as names, dates, or addresses)
Even minor oversights can cause significant setbacks. SRR Law Group LLC reviews every detail carefully, ensuring nothing gets missed and that your application is as strong as it can be from the start.
What If My Green Card Petition Is Denied?
A denial can feel like a devastating setback—but it’s not always the end of the road. Depending on your situation, you may have options, including the following:
- Filing an appeal or motion to reopen the case if USCIS made a legal or factual error
- Refiling with more substantial or corrected evidence
- Exploring VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) protections if there is a history of abuse
- Seeking humanitarian parole or other special relief
At SRR Law Group LLC, we will explore every avenue to keep families together and give them the future they’ve always hoped for.
Start Your American Story With SRR Law Group LLC
We’re not your typical law firm. Attorney Stacey Rogers brings personal insight to every case, drawing from her own immigration journey. She understands what you’re going through—and truly cares. With over 1,300 clients successfully guided through the immigration system, our team of experienced immigration lawyers at SRR Law Group LLC can help you create your American story, turning your dreams of family unity in the U.S. into reality. We believe in education and empowerment, ensuring you always understand your options, timelines, and next steps—no guesswork, no confusion.
Call SRR Law Group LLC Today
The immigration system in the U.S.A. is not easy to navigate. Whether you’re just starting the process or have run into a roadblock, our team is here to guide you with compassion, skill, and tenacity. Call us today at 507-580-7374 to schedule your consultation. Let us help you bring your family home—for good.
