No visa line
Married to a U.S. citizen, living in the U.S.
File the I-130 petition and I-485 green card application together (adjustment of status). You can apply for a work permit and travel permit at the same time.
I-130 + I-485 + I-765 + I-131
Family-Based Immigration
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, or your child is a U.S. citizen, you may be able to bring your family together under a family-based green card. The paperwork is long, and USCIS reviews every marriage case closely. We build it right the first time.
Our office is in Las Vegas, but immigration is federal law, so we represent couples and families in all 50 states, in English and Korean.
Family Petition
FORM I-130
Spouse of a U.S. citizen
Spouse of a green card holder
Parent or child of a citizen
Fiancé(e) — K-1 visa
AILA member · Licensed in Washington, D.C. · Clients in all 50 states · English & 한국어 · Payment plans available
Your path depends on who is petitioning, how you are related, and whether you are inside or outside the U.S. Close relatives of U.S. citizens skip the annual visa line entirely.
● Immediate relative — no visa line
● Preference category — visa bulletin wait
No visa line
File the I-130 petition and I-485 green card application together (adjustment of status). You can apply for a work permit and travel permit at the same time.
I-130 + I-485 + I-765 + I-131
No visa line
After the I-130 is approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center and an immigrant visa interview at the U.S. embassy, such as Seoul (consular processing).
I-130 → NVC → embassy interview
No visa line
A K-1 fiancé(e) visa lets your partner enter the U.S. to marry. You must marry within 90 days of arrival, then file for the green card.
I-129F → K-1 visa → marry → I-485
No visa line
A U.S. citizen who is 21 or older can petition for their parents. Citizens can also petition for unmarried children under 21.
I-130 → I-485 or consular processing
Visa bulletin wait
Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents (F2A) wait for a visa number to become available before the green card step.
I-130 → priority date → green card
After approval
You receive a 2-year conditional green card. Together, you file to remove the conditions in the 90 days before it expires.
Form I-751 → 10-year green card
Siblings of U.S. citizens and adult sons and daughters also qualify, under preference categories with longer waits. Ask us where your family falls.
A green card is lawful permanent residence. For most couples filing inside the U.S., protection starts before the final approval.
Permanent Resident Card
Category · IR1 / CR1
Status · Approved
Card expires · 10 years
Live anywhere in the U.S., work for any employer, and sponsor other family members later.
Employment Authorization · Category C9
Filed with I-485
→ Card issued
If you file inside the U.S., you can apply for a work permit (EAD) with your green card application.
Travel Document — I-131
Las Vegas (LAS) → Seoul (ICN)
Advance parole approved
Advance parole can let you visit family abroad without abandoning your application. Talk to us before you book any trip.
Path to Citizenship
Green card approved
3 years as a resident
Form N-400 — citizenship
Spouses of U.S. citizens can apply to naturalize after 3 years as a permanent resident, instead of the usual 5, if still married and living together.
This is the path for a spouse of a U.S. citizen filing inside the U.S. Your exact steps depend on your situation.
01
Your spouse files Form I-130 to prove a real, legal marriage.
02
You file Form I-485 with the I-864 Affidavit of Support, medical exam and supporting evidence.
03
USCIS takes fingerprints and photos. Your work and travel permits arrive while the case is pending.
04
You and your spouse answer questions about your relationship. We prepare you and can attend with you.
05
A 10-year card, or a 2-year conditional card if you have been married less than 2 years.
USCIS approves the relationship, not just the marriage certificate. The strongest cases show a shared life from several angles. We help you gather and organize evidence like:
✓ Joint lease or mortgage
✓ Shared bank accounts and bills
✓ Joint tax returns
✓ Insurance naming each other
✓ Photos together over time
✓ Travel records and messages
✓ Children's birth certificates
✓ Letters from friends and family
One missing document or inconsistent answer can mean a Request for Evidence, months of delay or a denial. We handle the case from first form to final card.
Spot problems early: past status, entries, prior marriages or criminal history.
Forms I-130, I-485, I-765 and I-131 prepared, checked and filed together.
Meet the I-864 income rules, including when you need a joint sponsor.
Practice sessions in English or Korean, and an attorney at your side.
Answer USCIS requests for evidence fully and on time.
File Form I-751 on time to turn a 2-year card into a 10-year card.
If a U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse is abusing you or refusing to file, you may be able to apply on your own under VAWA. Your spouse is not notified.
It depends on where you file, your USCIS field office or embassy, and whether you are married to a citizen or a green card holder. We give you a realistic timeline for your case at the consultation, based on current processing times.
Often, yes. Spouses of U.S. citizens who entered the U.S. lawfully can usually adjust status even after an overstay. If you entered without inspection, you may need to process abroad with a waiver. Get advice before you file.
If you file Form I-485 inside the U.S., you can file Form I-765 at the same time and work once the card is issued.
If you have been married less than 2 years when your green card is approved, it is valid for 2 years. You file Form I-751 together in the 90 days before it expires to get a 10-year card.
For an adjustment of status case, both spouses are usually interviewed. We prepare you both and can attend with you.
Yes. Same-sex marriages are treated the same as any other marriage for immigration purposes.
Virtual consultations nationwide, in English and Korean. Fees are explained upfront, with payment plans available.
Step 1
Tell us about your family. We confirm which path may fit and what to bring.
Step 2
A paid attorney consultation to review risks, timeline and cost for your case.
Step 3
A document checklist, a timeline and one point of contact until your card arrives.