Pursue a Family-Based Green Card With an Experienced Attorney in Your Corner
Individualized Support for Your Family's Immigration Journey
Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, parent, child, adult son or daughter, or sibling, careful preparation matters.
Lear Immigration Law, PC helps families identify the appropriate immigration process, address potential concerns, and prepare thorough, consistent cases based on their individual circumstances.
Paid attorney consultation · In person at our Westminster office or by Zoom
Prefer to speak with our team? Call 303-578-9083
Colorado Attorney Since 2012
Established legal experience serving individuals and families.
Direct Attorney Access
Work directly with the attorney responsible for your case.
Detailed, Individualized Preparation
Every case is reviewed and prepared around the family's circumstances.
Family Immigration Focus
Representation for family petitions, adjustment of status, consular processing, and related matters.
Family Green Card Cases We Handle
Family-based immigration may allow a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor certain relatives for permanent residence.
The available process may depend on the petitioner's immigration status, the family relationship, the intending immigrant's location and manner of entry, visa availability, and prior immigration history.
Spouses
U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be able to petition for their spouses. In some cases involving the spouse of a U.S. citizen who is already in the United States, Forms I-130 and I-485 may be filed together.
Parents
A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old may be able to petition for a parent. Whether the parent can apply for adjustment of status in the United States depends on additional eligibility requirements.
Children
U.S. citizens and permanent residents may petition for certain children and adult sons or daughters. The category and expected waiting period depend on age, marital status, and the petitioner's immigration status.
Siblings
A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old may petition for a sibling. These cases are subject to annual visa limits and frequently involve a substantial waiting period.
Special Family-Based Circumstances
Family immigration can also involve stepchildren, adopted children, widows or widowers, fiancé(e)s, and other circumstances with special requirements.
Not every relationship qualifies for a family-based immigration benefit. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws generally cannot be directly petitioned for solely through those relationships. However, a consultation can bring insight into other paths that you or your loved one may qualify for.
DISCUSS MY MARRIAGE GREEN CARD CASE
A consultation can help identify whether a qualifying path may exist.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing?
Choosing between adjustment of status and consular processing is an important step in the immigration process because the correct option depends on where the applicant is located and their immigration history. Understanding the distinction can help avoid delays, unnecessary travel, or complications with eligibility.
Adjustment of Status
An eligible person who is already in the United States may be able to apply for permanent residence without completing the immigrant-visa process abroad.
Physical presence in the United States does not automatically establish eligibility. The person's manner of entry, immigration history, family category, and other circumstances must be reviewed.
Consular Processing
A relative outside the United States will generally complete the immigrant-visa process through a U.S. consulate after the required petition and visa-availability steps.
Consular processing may also be necessary for someone who is currently in the United States but is not eligible to adjust status here.
If you are unsure about which process applies to you, a consultation will help give you a clear path.
Marriage-Based Green Cards and One-Step Adjustment
Marriage-based adjustment of status is one of our firm's primary family immigration services.
When an intending immigrant is in the United States and married to a U.S. citizen, it may be possible to submit Form I-130 and Form I-485 together. This is commonly called concurrent filing or one-step adjustment.
A marriage-based case may involve:
• The family petition and adjustment-of-status application
• Financial-sponsorship and medical documentation
• Evidence demonstrating that the marriage is genuine
• Employment-authorization or travel-document requests, when appropriate
• Preparation for a USCIS marriage interview
• Removal of conditions in certain cases
Concurrent filing is not appropriate in every case. Prior entries, status violations, criminal history, earlier immigration applications, or removal proceedings may affect eligibility or risk.
When Careful Review Is Especially Important
A qualifying family relationship does not automatically establish eligibility for adjustment of status or guarantee approval.
Detailed review may be especially important when a case involves:
• Entry without inspection
• A visa overstay or unauthorized employment
• Prior removal or deportation proceedings
• Previous immigration petitions or visa applications
• Possible fraud or misrepresentation concerns
• Criminal charges, arrests, or citations
• Previous marriages or petitions for another spouse
• Financial-sponsorship or relationship-evidence concerns
• A Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny
• Planned international travel while a case is pending
Some concerns may be manageable. Others may affect eligibility, require a waiver, or make a different process necessary.
A consultation can help identify these questions before an important filing or decision.
How Our Representation Works
1. Paid Attorney Consultation
Meet with an immigration attorney to discuss the sponsoring relative, intending immigrant, immigration history, goals, and concerns. The attorney will identify possible options and subjects requiring further analysis.
2. Eligibility and Process Review
We examine the relevant family category, visa availability, adjustment-of-status considerations, prior immigration history, and other facts that may affect the appropriate path.
3. Case Plan and Document Collection
If the firm offers representation and you retain us, we create an individualized case plan and provide a clear list of the records and information needed from each family member.
4. Detailed Preparation and Filing
Our team prepares the applicable forms and supporting evidence. We review the filing for accuracy and consistency and work with you to resolve questions or missing information before submission.
5. Government Follow-Through
After filing, we monitor notices and deadlines and help address additional requests when included in the representation.
6. Interview Preparation and Continued Guidance
If USCIS schedules an interview, we help you understand what to expect and prepare the information and documentation that may be relevant to your case.
Every case follows its own path. The required steps may vary depending on the immigration category, visa availability, eligibility, government processing, and developments after filing.
Why Families Choose Lear Immigration Law
An Immigrant-Led Firm That Understands the Stakes
Attorney Anya Lear's connection to immigration law is personal. Born and raised in Moscow, she came to the United States for college and later navigated her own path through the immigration system to U.S. citizenship.
That experience informs the firm's approach: listen carefully, communicate clearly, prepare diligently, and treat every client and family with respect.
Anya has practiced law in Colorado since 2012 and is fluent in English and Russian. Clients work directly with the attorney responsible for their case, supported by an experienced team committed to careful preparation and consistent communication.
Immigration, Made Understandable
We strip away the legal jargon. We pride ourselves on clear explanations, easy-to-follow instructions, and walking you through your options so you feel empowered, not confused.
Always Available, Always Present
A major fear in immigration is being "left in the dark." We differentiate ourselves through full availability. When you have questions, we have answers—on time, every time.
Compassion in Every Step
You aren't a transaction. Our clients consistently tell us that they felt seen, heard, and supported from the initial consultation all the way through to their final interview.
Integrity-Driven Strategy
We build trust through honesty. We provide fair pricing and transparent assessments, ensuring that our strategy is tailored to the complexity of your unique situation, not just "the standard process."
Client Testimonials
Don't Just Take It From Us, Here's What our Clients Have to Say
Alma Ismagulova
Before choosing Anna, I researched and received paid and free consultations from other companies and lawyers (I've also encountered scammers). I was choosing between three. During an hour-long consultation with Anna, she identified the most significant issue. We began gathering the necessary documents, with recommendations and corrections. I had access to electronic templates, phone calls, video calls, and text messages. She was completely accessible. And, what's more, she provided expert assistance. My case has been submitted, biometrics have been completed, and I'm waiting 150-180 days for my work permit. More to come! Thank you to Anna's entire team!
Young Hyun Chi
Anya and her team are professional, meticulous, attentive, and kind in what can be a pretty anxious and detail-oriented process. I was able to smoothly and rapidly secure a permanent residency thanks to this firm's good work after marrying my American wife while in Korea, about half a year after moving to Colorado. They are willing to attend interviews and other processes in person, and their office was always open for in-person work when I was required to do something or ask about something.
It's not an easy thing to willingly delegate a process that impacts your life so, but I highly recommend Lear Immigration Law if you want it done correctly.
Josue Godinez
I had an amazing experience with attorney Anya Lear of Lear Immigration Law. Even though I only speak Spanish, she took the time to explain everything to me patiently and made sure I understood every step. She is kind, understanding, and truly cares about her clients. Thanks to her, my case was resolved quickly and smoothly. She made a difficult process much easier and less stressful. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who needs a good lawyer. Thank you so much, Anya!
Brad Gersch
This team has been fantastic in helping us navigate the complex immigration process. They flawlessly handled our massive amount of paperwork and were always quick to answer our sudden, news-related questions. As a bonus, their beautifully designed office provides a truly calming environment. Highly recommended for their excellent service, efficient processes, and wonderful staff!
Anna Valsami
Anya and her team were recommended to me by a family friend and I'm really glad I got in touch with them! I was ready to apply for my US citizenship and I wanted to make sure everything was done correctly. Anya was incredibly professional, thorough and caring from start to finish and I felt confident that she was on top of my case every step of the way. Overall, it was a seamless experience! Highly recommended to anyone needing assistance in their own immigration journey. Thank you Anya and team!
Yana Miloserdova
Thanks to Anya and her amazing team! Due to their professionalism, my Green Card application was processed remarkably quickly. We felt well supported throughout the entire process. The team was always available to address my questions and communicated with us from the beginning to the end of the process.
I highly recommend Lear Immigration Law and definitely plan to use their services again in the future for any of my immigration needs!
New more proof? Check out our other online reviews.
Here are some cases we are proud to share more about.
*Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Let's Start Your Journey Toward a Secure Future
Before filing a family petition or adjustment-of-status application, understand the available process, required evidence, and potential concerns that may affect the case.
Schedule a paid consultation to discuss your family's circumstances with an immigration attorney.
Paid attorney consultation • In-person or Zoom
Or call 303-578-9083 during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a family-based immigration petition?
U.S. citizens may petition for certain spouses, parents, children, adult sons or daughters, and siblings. Permanent residents may petition for certain spouses and unmarried children or adult sons or daughters.
The available category depends on the petitioner's immigration status and the intending immigrant's age, marital status, and family relationship.
What do Forms I-130 and I-485 do?
Form I-130 asks USCIS to recognize a qualifying family relationship. Its approval does not, by itself, grant a green card or lawful immigration status.
Form I-485 is the application through which an eligible person in the United States requests permanent residence. Certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may be able to file both forms together.
What if my relative is outside the United States?
A relative outside the United States will generally pursue an immigrant visa through consular processing after the required petition and visa-availability steps.
The attorney can help identify which process may apply and whether any concerns should be addressed before the case proceeds abroad.
What if the intending immigrant overstayed a visa or entered without inspection?
Certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to some adjustment-of-status bars involving overstays or unauthorized employment. This does not mean everyone qualifies.
Entry without inspection presents different legal questions. The manner of entry, prior immigration history, and other facts should be evaluated before filing.
What evidence or interviews may be required?
Evidence may include civil records, proof of citizenship or permanent residence, financial documents, immigration records, and documents establishing the family relationship.
Marriage-based cases generally require evidence that the marriage is genuine. USCIS determines whether an interview is required.
What can we discuss during a paid consultation?
A consultation can address a possible new case, a pending application, an upcoming interview, a Request for Evidence, or concerns about immigration history.
The attorney will provide an individualized assessment based on the available information and explain possible next steps. A consultation does not guarantee that the firm will offer representation but we always aim to provide as much value as possible.
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this page or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration eligibility and outcomes depend on the facts and law applicable to each case, and no result is guaranteed.