Supporting Families with Innovative Immigration Strategies
CONNECT WITH AN ATTORNEYBringing Families Together
Stephen Blaker and Jacki Granet, founding partners at Blaker & Granet LLP, have spent years guiding individuals and families through the immigration process. With a focus on reuniting loved ones in the United States, their work as family immigration lawyers includes helping clients navigate petitions, visa applications, and long-term immigration pathways. It’s an honor for both Stephen and Jacki to play a role in such a meaningful process that helps families build their lives together here in the U.S.
Family-based immigration is often quite complex, as it requires detailed documentation and ongoing coordination with U.S. immigration agencies. The B&G team works closely with clients to prepare well-structured petitions, organize persuasive supporting evidence, and address potential issues before they become unnecessary delays.
With a background advising businesses and professionals on complex immigration pathways, Stephen brings a strategic, big-picture perspective to family cases, while Jacki’s experience crafting highly detailed petitions, including for individuals in specialized and creative fields, adds a strong narrative and evidentiary approach to their legal strategies.
If you are planning to bring a loved one to the United States or have questions about your family immigration options, reach out at [email protected].
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A family-based immigration petition starts with identifying a qualifying petitioner. The petitioner (the individual filing on behalf of a non-resident seeking entry into the United States) must either be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and must also substantiate a qualifying familial relationship to the applicant through clear, well-documented evidence. Necessary documents may include birth certificates, marriage and divorce records, adoption decrees, personal photos, joint financial records, and more.
A marriage-based green card allows a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor their spouse for permanent residency, either from within the U.S. or abroad. The process requires clear proof of a real marriage, such as shared finances, living arrangements, and relationship history. Once approved, the spouse can live and work in the United States. If the marriage is under two years old, a conditional green card is issued with a later step to remove conditions.
The K-1 fiancé visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States with the intention of getting married. Once approved, the fiancé(e) can enter the U.S., and the couple must marry within 90 days. After the marriage takes place, the foreign spouse may apply for adjustment of status to pursue lawful permanent residence.
The K-3 visa is designed for spouses of U.S. citizens who are waiting for their immigrant visa petition to be processed. It allows the foreign spouse to enter the United States and remain with their partner while the green card application is pending. While less commonly used today, the K-3 can still provide a temporary pathway for couples who want to avoid extended separation during the immigration process.
Blaker & Granet LLC Founding Partners Stephen Blaker & Jacki Granet
Who Can Petition for a Family Member?
A family-based immigration petition starts with identifying a qualifying petitioner. The petitioner (the individual filing on behalf of a non-resident seeking entry into the United States) must either be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and must also substantiate a qualifying familial relationship to the applicant through clear, well-documented evidence. Necessary documents may include birth certificates, marriage and divorce records, adoption decrees, personal photos, joint financial records, and more.
Each category comes with its own processing timelines and visa availability. Age and marital status of the family member can affect eligibility and wait times. Filing under the wrong category or missing an important document can set a case back months, sometimes longer.
U.S. citizens can petition for:
A spouse
Children (married or unmarried)
Parents
Siblings
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can petition for:
A spouse
Children (married or unmarried)
Our job is to make this process feel manageable. The family immigration lawyers at Blaker & Granet LLP start by learning your full story and discussing your immigration goals. Knowing all the details helps us spot issues early and plan a petition with forethought so we can avoid unnecessary hiccups in the process.
We prepare and file all paperwork, organize supporting evidence, and make sure deadlines don’t sneak up on you. We also explain what’s happening in plain language, so you’re never left guessing why something is taking time or what the next step looks like.
Plus, if the USCIS asks questions or schedules an interview, we help you prepare to arrive feeling confident, not panicked. Most importantly, we stay involved, maintaining an open line of communication until your immigration matter is resolved.
Consultation with B&G lawyer to discuss marriage-based green card petition viability and the rights/responsibilities of becoming a lawful permanent resident in the U.S.
Gather evidence and required information/documentation for marriage-based green card petition
B&G prepares the forms and related documents for marriage-based green card petition
Once all forms and documents are received, B&G files the marriage-based green card petition with USCIS
When the client receives the notice for an interview, B&G will hold a prep call to discuss what to expect. B&G is also available to attend interviews with clients.
If/when the case is approved, B&G will review your green card for accuracy and explain your new status in the U.S.
The immigration process typically moves in stages, with various wait times associated. A family-based immigration case begins with the initial filing of the application and supporting documents. After that, there may be waiting periods while USCIS reviews the case.
Some families will be required to submit to interviews with USCIS. Others handle processing through a U.S. consulate abroad. Timelines vary widely depending on the relationship category, current visa availability, and the government’s workload.
At Blaker & Granet LLP, we set expectations early and keep you updated along the way. If something changes or delays emerge, we explain why and talk through the options.
More Family Immigration OptionsWe've been practicing immigration law in Los Angeles for years, and we know how the local USCIS field offices operate, what they look for in applications, and how to navigate their specific procedures and preferences. That local knowledge makes a substantive difference in how we prepare cases and respond to issues that arise during processing.
We've successfully helped hundreds of families reunite through the immigration process. We've handled complex cases involving criminal issues, prior immigration violations, and difficult waiver applications. Our success rate speaks for itself, and we're proud of the families we've helped bring together in the U.S.
You're not just a case number to us. When you hire our firm, you'll work directly with experienced attorneys who honor your story and your goals. We return calls and emails promptly, we keep you updated on developments in your case, and we're available to answer questions and address concerns throughout the entire process.
Family immigration matters can involve a surprising number of challenges. Even strong cases can hit roadblocks that catch families off guard. Government agencies move slowly, rules change, and small mistakes can cause long delays.
Some of the most common challenges associated with family-based immigration petitions include:
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Whether you’re ready to turn the page on a new chapter of your life by bringing a loved one to the United States, or you’re simply looking to discuss your options, our attorneys could offer support. Connect with our team at [email protected] today.
Frequently Asked
Processing times vary dramatically depending on the relationship and where your family member is located. Immediate relative cases for spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens typically take 12 to 24 months from start to finish.
Preference category cases with numerical caps can take much longer–sometimes 5 to 20 years, depending on the category and country. We can give you a more specific timeline based on your particular situation.
It depends on your current status. If you're adjusting status from within the U.S., you can apply for a work permit (EAD) that's typically approved within a few months.
If you're in the U.S. on a valid work visa, you can continue working under that authorization. If you're outside the U.S. waiting for consular processing, you cannot work in the U.S. until you receive your immigrant visa and enter the country.
Sponsors must demonstrate income at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. USCIS looks at the sponsor's most recent tax return and current income from employment or self-employment. Assets can sometimes substitute for income at a 5-to-1 ratio.
If the sponsor doesn't meet the requirement alone, joint sponsors or household members can combine their income to meet the threshold.
No, there is no requirement that you wait between receiving your marriage certificate and green card filing. However, you should seek advice from a licensed immigration attorney to discuss strategy and any immigration status issues.
Yes, the current administration has stated that it will interview all marriage-based green card applicants.
The laws of the place of the marriage govern the validity of the marriage. Thus, if the jurisdiction allows for virtual marriage, then it is valid. Please note, however, that for a virtual marriage to be valid for immigration purposes, “the parties also must consummate the marriage after the ceremony if the parties were not physically together for the ceremony.”
If you received your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, and you are still married to that U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization after three (3) years.
A denial isn't necessarily the end of the road. We can file a motion to reopen or reconsider if we can show USCIS made an error or if we have new evidence. We can also appeal certain denials to the Administrative Appeals Office.
Sometimes it makes more sense to file a new petition with additional evidence addressing the reasons for denial. The best approach depends on why the petition was denied.
The sponsor needs proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, evidence of the family relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates), and financial documentation showing they meet the income requirements (tax returns, pay stubs, employer letters).
The beneficiary needs:
Identity documents
Birth certificate
Police certificates
Medical examination results
The specific requirements vary by case type, and we'll provide you with a complete checklist.
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State that shows when immigrant visas are available for different applicant categories. In family-based immigration, it helps determine when a person can move forward with their green card process based on their priority date, which is usually the date the petition was filed.
Because there are annual limits on many family-based visa categories, not everyone can proceed immediately. The Visa Bulletin tracks these limits and provides cutoff dates that indicate which cases are currently eligible to move forward. If your priority date is earlier than the listed cutoff date, your visa is considered “current,” and you may be able to continue to the next step in the process.
Yes! You can start the process by having your U.S. green card holder spouse file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. However, you cannot continue to the next part (Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing) until an immigrant visa is available to you as per the Department of State. Spouses of green card holders fall under F2A classification in the Department of State’s monthly visa bulletin.
If you have been married for less than two (2) years when you receive your green card, you will receive a conditional green card that is valid for two (2) years. Before the expiration of the green card, you are required to file the Form I-751, Removal of Conditions application.
No. The requirements and evidence are the same. B&G regularly handles green card cases for same sex couples.
If you have been married for less than two (2) years when you receive your green card, your green card will be valid for two (2) years. Before the expiration of the green card, you are required to file the Form I-751, Removal of Conditions application.
If you have been married for more than two (2) years when you receive your green card, your green card will be valid for ten (10) years. Before the expiration of the green card, you are required to file Form I-90 to renew your green card.
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