Family Immigration · Bay Area
Reunite With
The People
You Love Most.
Compassionate and strategic family immigration representation for individuals and families across San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose.
AILA Member Firm
Serving All of Bay Area
Spouse & Fiancé Visas
Bilingual Support
START YOUR CONSULTATION
Legal Consultation
Request
Tell us about your situation and we’ll outline your options.
Confidential & protected by attorney-client privilege
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Keeping families together,
every step of the way
From fiancé visas to marriage green cards and citizenship — we guide your family through every stage of the U.S. immigration process.
01
Marriage-Based Green Card
Permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
02
Fiancé Visa (K-1)
Bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S. to get married and begin the residency process.
03
Adjustment of Status
Apply for a green card without leaving the U.S. — we handle every step of the I-485 process.
04
Consular Processing
Residency applications for family members abroad through U.S. consulates and embassies.
05
Citizenship & Naturalization
Guidance through the N-400 application, interview preparation, and naturalization ceremony.
06
Family Petition (I-130)
Sponsor a spouse, child, parent, or sibling for lawful permanent residence in the United States.
YOUR ATTORNEY
Dylan Hackett
Lead Attorney & Managing Partner
Dylan Hackett is the managing partner of Golden Gate Immigration Law. As a former Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office, he brings prosecutorial experience and strategic precision to every immigration case. His international background — including leading a business in Nicaragua — gives him a unique perspective on the challenges immigrants and families face navigating the U.S. legal system. Our team provides full bilingual support so every client is heard and understood.
California Bar
Former Deputy D.A. · San Mateo County
USCIS & Immigration Court
Managing Partner
Se habla Español
(415) 622-8792
Mon – Fri 8:00am – 6:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area, California
FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION
Two ways to
reunite your family
Family-based immigration is one of the most common paths to permanent residence in the United States. Whether your family member is already in the U.S. or living abroad, attorney Dylan Hackett guides you through every step of the process.
01
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens have no annual visa cap — making this the fastest family-based path to a green card.
- No annual visa limit — cases move faster than preference categories
- File I-130 petition concurrently with I-485 if in the U.S.
- Interview at San Francisco USCIS Field Office or U.S. consulate abroad
02
Family Preference Categories
Siblings, married children, and relatives of permanent residents fall under preference categories subject to annual visa limits and waiting periods.
- F1: Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
- F2A/F2B: Spouses, children, and unmarried adult children of LPRs
- F3/F4: Married children and siblings of U.S. citizens
Common Questions
How long does family-based immigration take in the Bay Area?
Immediate relative cases at the San Francisco USCIS Field Office typically take 12–18 months. Family preference categories are subject to annual visa backlogs and can take anywhere from 2 to 14+ years depending on the relationship and the applicant’s country of birth.
Can I petition for my parents if I am a U.S. citizen?
Yes. U.S. citizens can petition for their parents as immediate relatives, which means there is no annual visa cap and no waiting list. Your parent must meet admissibility requirements and, if already in the U.S., may be eligible for adjustment of status without leaving the country. For spouses specifically, learn more about our marriage-based green card services.
What is the difference between a petition and a visa application?
A petition (Form I-130) is filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident to establish the qualifying family relationship. The visa application comes later — either through adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad. Both steps are required and have separate processing times.
Can my family member work while their petition is pending?
If your family member is in the U.S. and has filed for adjustment of status (I-485), they can simultaneously apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765. This allows them to work legally while their green card is being processed. For current family preference visa wait times, visit the Visa Bulletin.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
From first contact
to clear strategy
01
Determine Your Category
We identify the correct family preference category, evaluate eligibility, and advise on whether adjustment of status or consular processing is the right path.
02
File the I-130 Petition
We prepare and file the Form I-130 petition with complete supporting documentation to minimize delays and reduce the risk of a Request for Evidence.
03
Visa Application or Adjustment of Status
Depending on where your family member lives, we guide them through either adjustment of status at the San Francisco USCIS Field Office or consular processing at a U.S. embassy abroad.
04
Interview & Approval
We prepare your family member thoroughly for the USCIS or consular interview — the most critical step in the process.
DON’T WAIT — IMMIGRATION LAW CHANGES FAST
Your family belongs together
Immigration paperwork is complex — but the goal is simple. Let us handle the legal strategy so you can focus on what matters most.
Or call directly: (415) 622-8792 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Hablamos Español