Family-Based Green Card Process for Indian Families in the Bay Area
- Baking AI
- Dec 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Indian families in the Bay Area often rely on family-based green cards to reunite with spouses, parents, children, and siblings in the United States. While the process is lawful and well-defined, it has become slower and more complex due to backlogs, stricter review standards, and long priority date waits for Indian nationals.
This guide explains how the family-based green card process works for Indian families living in the San Jose–San Francisco–Oakland Bay Area, what timelines to expect, and how to avoid common filing mistakes.
What Is a Family-Based Green Card
A family-based green card allows certain relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to live and work permanently in the United States. For Indian families, this is one of the most common and reliable immigration pathways.
There are two main categories.
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
These visas are not subject to annual caps.
Spouse of a U.S. citizen
Unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen
Parents of a U.S. citizen over 21
Family Preference Categories
These are subject to yearly limits and backlogs.
F1 Visa - Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
F2A Visa - Spouses and children of green card holders
F2B Visa - Unmarried adult children of green card holders
F3 Visa - Married children of U.S. citizens
F4 Visa - Siblings of U.S. citizens
Indian applicants often face longer waits in preference categories due to high demand.
Who Can Apply from the Bay Area
Indian families commonly file from:
San Jose
Santa Clara
Fremont
Sunnyvale
Milpitas
San Francisco
Berkeley
Most family-based green card cases can be handled remotely, even if relatives are outside the United States.
Step-by-Step Family-Based Green Card Process
Step 1: File the Family Petition
The U.S. citizen or green card holder files Form I-130 to establish the family relationship.
Strong documentation is essential. Marriage and birth records from India often require careful preparation to meet U.S. standards.
Step 2: Wait for Priority Date or Immediate Processing
Immediate relatives can usually proceed without waiting for a visa number.
Preference category applicants must wait for their priority date to become current.
Indian families frequently experience multi-year waits, especially for siblings and adult children.
Step 3: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Applicants inside the U.S. may file for adjustment of status.
Applicants abroad complete consular processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate
Each option carries different risks related to travel, unlawful presence, and past visa history.
Step 4: Interview and Final Decision
USCIS or the consulate reviews eligibility, documents, and family relationship authenticity. Interviews for Indian applicants often focus on:
Marriage legitimacy
Prior visa compliance
Employment and income support
Public charge concerns
Common Challenges for Indian Families
Indian applicants in the Bay Area often face these issues.
Long Backlogs
India has one of the longest waits for family preference categories. Filing errors can add years to processing time.
Complex Family Records
Name variations, late birth registration, and marriage documentation from India require careful handling.
Status Gaps in the U.S.
Many applicants move from student or work visas into family-based cases. Timing mistakes can create unlawful presence issues.
Increased Scrutiny
Recent immigration policies have increased review of family relationships, financial sponsorship, and past immigration history.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Family-based green card cases look simple on paper, but are easy to delay or derail.
Legal review helps ensure:
Correct category selection
Proper filing strategy
Accurate documentation
Safe travel and work authorization planning
Long-term immigration stability for the family
How T.P.L. Global Helps Indian Families
T.P.L. Global represents Indian individuals and families across the Bay Area and nationwide.
Our family-based green card services include:
Spouse and fiancé green cards
Parents, children, and siblings' petitions
Adjustment of status filings
Consular processing coordination
Interview preparation and RFEs
Most matters are handled remotely, allowing families in San Jose, San Francisco, and surrounding cities to access reliable U.S. immigration counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a family-based green card take for Indians?
Immediate relative cases may take one to two years. Preference categories can take several years, depending on the visa bulletin.
Can parents of Indian origin get a green card faster?
Parents of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives and are not subject to annual caps.
Can I stay in the U.S. while my green card is pending
This depends on your current visa status and filing strategy. Legal review is strongly recommended before filing.
Do I need an interview?
Most cases require an interview, either with USCIS or at a U.S. consulate.
Speak With a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in the Bay Area
Family immigration decisions affect your entire household and future in the United States. Filing the first time matters.
If you are an Indian family in the Bay Area exploring a family-based green card, schedule a consultation with T.P.L. Global to review your eligibility and next steps.
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