
VIRGINIA Whatever Your Immigration Legal Needs May Be, We Are With You
Fairfax Family Immigration Lawyer
Dedicated Legal Service for Clients in Virginia & Nationwide
The family immigration lawyers at Murray Osorio PLLC proudly represent hard-working immigrants who are striving for their American Dream. Our immigration law firm is particularly focused on assisting individuals and their families who want to establish themselves and work in the United States. We understand that each immigration journey is unique; therefore, we approach every case with a personalized strategy tailored to meet our clients' specific needs and circumstances. This individualized approach ensures that our clients receive the most pertinent legal advice and representation to successfully navigate the U.S. immigration landscape.
What Is Family-Based Immigration?
U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents may petition for, or “sponsor,” certain close family members to become permanent residents. Family petitions allow specific relatives to obtain legal permanent residence. These include immediate relatives and family members within the preference categories. Understanding the different pathways available to family members under these categories can significantly impact the timeframe and process individuals may face. It is crucial to determine which category applies to your family member to ensure a smoother and more efficient application process.
Who Are Immediate Relatives?
The term “immediate relative” is used to define certain immigrant relatives of U.S. citizens. Immediate relatives include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Children (unmarried and under 21) of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens (The petitioning citizen must be 21 or older.)
For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, visas are always available, which means that your family member does not need to wait in line for a visa.
What Are Preference Category Family Members?
Preference categories apply to family members who are not immediate relatives. The visas allotted for these categories are subject to annual numerical limits. A visa becomes available to a preference category based on the priority date (the date the Form I-130 was filed).
Preference categories are grouped as follows:
- First preference: Unmarried, adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (adult means 21 or older.)
- Second Preference (2A): Spouses of green card holders, unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents
- Second Preference (2B): Unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents
- Third Preference: Married sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens
- Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens
In most family-based preference categories, with the exception of immediate relatives, there are long waiting periods before the sponsored individual may become a permanent resident. Waiting periods are set for each family-based preference category according to country of birth and are released by the Department of State monthly in their publicly viewable “visa bulletin.”
Need help? Request a consultation with a family-based immigration lawyer in Fairfax at Murray Osorio PLLC by completing a form or calling (703) 952-3275. Se habla español.
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Real People. Real Reviews.
"I recommend them 1000%"
From the beginning of the case, from the first meeting with Rina Gandhi until the end of the representation, the firm proved to be extremely professional in its services. My attorney demonstrated emotional intelligence and competence in the most difficult situations, and great kindness and professionalism in leading my wife and me through our case. The work of this law firm changes the life of each of the clients. Blessings. I recommend them 1000%- Antonio R.
Call (703) 952-3275 to Set Up Your Consultation Today
Our top-notch lawyers make it our top priority to do anything within our power to help unite our clients with their families. When you choose Murray Osorio PLLC to represent you, we will diligently explore every possible option and take care of all the complicated paperwork so you can petition for the proper visas to achieve your immigration goals.
Please call our Fairfax family immigration attorneys at (703) 952-3275 to discuss what our law firm can do to serve you. Contact us online to request a consultation.

Our Locations
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Fairfax, Virginia
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Silver Spring, Maryland
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Newark, New Jersey
