How Long Does Family-Based Immigration Take in Tampa, Florida?
October 16, 2025
How Long Does Family-Based Immigration Take in Tampa, Florida?
For many families, nothing matters more than being together. If you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may have the ability to sponsor your loved ones for a green card through family-based immigration. But one of the most common and stressful questions is: how long will the process take?
Diaz Shafer Immigration, our Tampa family-based immigration attorneys understand the urgency behind every petition. Immigration wait times vary depending on the relationship, the visa category, and even your family member’s country of origin. Here’s what you need to know.
Immediate Relatives: No Waiting Period
The fastest category in family-based immigration is for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. This includes:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older)
For these cases, visas are always available, so there is no annual cap and no long waiting list. The process still involves completing forms, submitting documentation, and waiting for government review, but there is no backlog like in other categories.
Preference Relatives: Longer Wait Times
Other family members fall into the “family preference” system, which is subject to yearly limits. These relatives may include:
- Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens (21 or older)
- Spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Married children of U.S. citizens
- Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)
For these categories, the wait times can range from several years to over a decade, depending on the visa bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State. Countries with higher demand, such as Mexico, the Philippines, India, and China, often face the longest backlogs.
Fiancé(e) Visas: A Special Option
If you are engaged to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa. This allows your fiancé(e) to come to the U.S. for marriage, provided the wedding takes place within 90 days of arrival. After marriage, they can apply for permanent residency. This process is often faster than waiting through preference categories.
Why Working With an Attorney Matters
Even when visas are available, paperwork errors, missing documents, or delays in processing can slow things down. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, we:
- Determine the best visa strategy for your family.
- Help gather and submit accurate documentation.
- Track your case through the immigration system.
- Work to minimize avoidable delays.
Our mission is to help reunite families as quickly as possible, while ensuring your case is handled correctly from the start.
Take the Next Step With Diaz Shafer Immigration
Every family’s situation is unique, and immigration timelines can vary widely. The best way to get accurate guidance for your case is to work with an experienced attorney who understands the family-based immigration process.
📞 Call
813-303-0650 today to schedule a consultation with
Diaz Shafer Immigration.
What to Do If You're Facing Deportation: Your Rights and Legal Options Explained
Bringing Your Fiancé to the U.S.: A Step-by-Step Guide to the K-1 Visa
How to Qualify for an EB-1 Visa: Talent-Based Green Cards Explained
An inadmissibility waiver can provide a path for individuals who are otherwise ineligible to enter or remain in the United States. Learn what an inadmissibility waiver is, who may qualify, and how it can impact immigration status.
Employment-based immigration allows foreign nationals to work in the United States through various visa categories. This article explores the different types of employment-based visas, eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits of securing a work visa.
Being detained by immigration authorities can be overwhelming, but some individuals may qualify for a bond hearing to seek release while their case is pending. This article explores the key factors that determine eligibility for a bond hearing and what detainees and their families should know about the process.
As the world’s largest economy and a beacon for entrepreneurs and innovators, the United States presents a compelling destination for those seeking to merge opportunity and legacy. For many foreign investors, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a strategic, time-tested route to permanent residency. By making a qualifying investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise, participants can bolster the American economy, create jobs, and secure a future for themselves and their families on U.S. soil. At Diaz Shafer Immigration in Tampa, Florida, our experienced attorneys understand the complexities and nuances of the EB-5 process, and we strive to guide our clients toward a successful, sustainable investment strategy. EB-5 Basics: Understanding the Requirements To qualify for an EB-5 visa, foreign investors must meet key thresholds. The current minimum investment amount is $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)—a region experiencing high unemployment or rural conditions. Additionally, the investment must create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs. Though the criteria may seem straightforward, every component demands meticulous attention, from verifying the source of funds to ensuring compliance with job creation requirements. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, we help clients understand these essential components and ensure that no detail is overlooked. Selecting the Right Investment Model EB-5 investors typically choose between two primary models: direct investment and regional center projects. Direct investments involve placing capital directly into a new or existing U.S. business and actively overseeing its operations. In contrast, regional center investments often provide a more passive approach, allowing investors to place their funds into pre-approved entities that pool capital and streamline the job creation verification process. Our lawyers at Diaz Shafer Immigration work closely with clients to identify an approach that aligns with their comfort level, risk tolerance, and long-term financial and immigration goals. Due Diligence and Mitigating Risk Due diligence is a cornerstone of a successful EB-5 strategy. Thoroughly vetting potential projects is critical to understanding the likelihood of meeting job creation requirements and protecting one’s financial investment. In addition, maintaining compliance with all immigration regulations is paramount to securing and keeping your green card. With the counsel of our knowledgeable team, investors gain the confidence that their chosen venture is grounded in transparent financials, credible business plans, and sound legal structuring. By focusing on strategic planning, we help reduce uncertainty and set the stage for a secure investment journey. Conditional Status to Permanent Residency Securing an EB-5 visa is a multi-stage process. After gaining conditional residency, investors must demonstrate that their capital remained at risk and the required jobs were created before applying to remove conditions and obtain permanent residency. This can involve complex evidence-gathering and tracking business performance over several years. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, we work hand-in-hand with our clients through every phase, from the initial application to the final condition removal. With our careful guidance, investors understand their responsibilities, anticipate potential challenges, and navigate each step with clarity. Embarking on the EB-5 journey is about more than simply investing capital—it’s about investing in your future, your family’s legacy, and the American dream. While the process can seem daunting, having a trusted partner can make all the difference. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, we pride ourselves on offering tailored advice, unwavering support, and personalized strategies that position our clients for lasting success. By approaching the EB-5 program with diligence, strategy, and professional guidance, you can lay a solid foundation for a prosperous life in the United States.
In a world shaped by migration, family ties transcend borders. Loved ones separated by oceans and time zones yearn to reunite and establish new lives together in the United States. Family-based immigration has long served as a cornerstone of American immigration law, reflecting the country’s foundational values of kinship, compassion, and stability. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, located in Tampa, Florida, we believe that every family deserves the chance to be whole. From guiding clients through the application process to helping them overcome hurdles, our mission is to reunite and strengthen immigrant families within the Sunshine State and beyond. Family-Based Immigration Categories Family-based immigration is primarily rooted in familial relationships with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs). Immediate relatives, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens, typically receive priority due to their close relationship. Other family members—such as siblings of U.S. citizens, married children, or relatives of LPRs—face varying levels of complexity and longer waiting times depending on their visa category. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, we help clients understand their family’s eligibility, the relevant petition categories, and the general steps involved, ensuring clarity every step of the way. Eligibility and Overcoming Challenges To unite with loved ones, applicants must navigate a detailed documentation process. Proving the validity of family relationships, understanding the affidavit of support requirements, and meeting medical and background checks can be daunting. Additionally, changing immigration policies and shifting priorities at U.S. embassies and consulates may impact wait times and the level of scrutiny. Our experienced attorneys diligently review all aspects of your case and tailor strategies to address potential challenges. From identifying potential issues early on to offering tailored solutions, our goal is to help clients present their best case and reduce the likelihood of unnecessary delays or denials. Adjusting Status vs. Consular Processing The path to securing a family-based green card may differ depending on your current location. If eligible family members are already in the United States, they may be able to adjust status without returning to their home country. However, if a relative resides abroad, the process generally involves consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Both methods require comprehensive paperwork, but each presents its own complexities and potential setbacks. Diaz Shafer Immigration’s dedicated team carefully evaluates each family’s circumstances to determine the most efficient route, guiding clients through every phase—from the initial petition to the eventual green card issuance. Life After: Integration and Next Steps Once family members obtain their green cards, they begin the journey of making the United States their long-term home. While gaining lawful permanent residence is a crucial step, it is often just the start of the greater American experience. Individuals and families may consider paths to U.S. citizenship, explore educational and career opportunities, and integrate into their communities. Our support doesn’t end once the green card is granted. Diaz Shafer Immigration provides ongoing guidance to families as they adapt to their new circumstances, helping them understand their rights, responsibilities, and the resources available to ensure a smooth transition. Reuniting families is about much more than paperwork and processes—restoring the bonds that shape our lives, memories, and futures. In Florida’s dynamic and diverse environment, family-based immigration provides hope, stability, and a path toward building a rich shared life on American soil. With Diaz Shafer Immigration at your side, you’ll gain an ally deeply committed to bridging borders, overcoming obstacles, and reuniting loved ones.
In an increasingly complex immigration landscape, many young people who arrived in the United States as children—often referred to as “Dreamers”—look to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program as a beacon of hope. DACA offers these individuals temporary protection from deportation and the opportunity to work legally and further their education. Yet, navigating the DACA process can feel daunting as policy changes continue to stir uncertainty. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, we are committed to guiding Dreamers through this evolving terrain, providing knowledgeable support, and advocating for their rights, futures, and dreams. Current DACA Landscape The DACA program was designed to allow eligible young immigrants to remain in the U.S. lawfully, often enabling them to pursue higher education, stable employment, and meaningful contributions to their communities. However, political and legal challenges have tested the program’s durability. Court decisions and legislative wrangling frequently alter the rules, leaving applicants unsure of how to move forward. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, we monitor every policy shift, court ruling, and government announcement to ensure that our guidance is current, accurate, and actionable. Eligibility and Requirements: What You Need to Know For those considering DACA for the first time or navigating the renewal process, it’s crucial to understand the qualifications. To be eligible, applicants must have arrived in the United States before their 16th birthday, continuously resided here for several years, and meet specific educational or military service criteria. Detailed documentation, thorough background checks, and attention to application deadlines are essential. The legal professionals at Diaz Shafer Immigration assist clients in compiling complete applications, double-checking details, and ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met, giving applicants greater confidence as they pursue their DACA status. Renewal Strategies Amid Uncertainty The shifting legal environment can make DACA renewals more challenging. While the future of DACA remains a point of debate, current policy allows many recipients to continue renewing their deferrals. Timing, accuracy, and forward-looking strategies are critical. Our team works closely with clients to determine the best renewal schedule, compile up-to-date evidence of continuous residency, and avoid pitfalls that could delay the process. By staying proactive and prepared, Dreamers can protect their status and maintain the opportunities DACA provides while broader legislative solutions are sought. Beyond DACA: Long-Term Options While DACA offers valuable temporary relief, it does not confer permanent legal status. As a result, it’s prudent to think ahead and consider long-term immigration solutions. Whether it’s applying for a family-based visa, exploring employment-based options, or preparing for a future adjustment of status, charting a path forward requires careful planning and professional guidance. At Diaz Shafer Immigration, we don’t just assist with immediate needs; we help clients develop comprehensive immigration strategies designed to secure their futures, safeguard their rights, and help them thrive. For countless young individuals who grew up calling the United States home, DACA represents a lifeline—a chance to remain, work, and build a future in a country they know as their own. Though the program’s legal landscape remains uncertain, knowledge and diligent preparation can illuminate the path. The Diaz Shafer Immigration team stands ready to help Dreamers understand their options, navigate the DACA process, and passionately advocate for their rights. Together, we can defend dreams and help ensure that the promise of America’s future remains open to all who call this nation their home.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone that opens doors to new opportunities and responsibilities. The process of naturalization is how individuals not born in the United States can become citizens, but it’s a journey that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. At Diaz Shafer Immigration , we are here to guide you through every step of this complex and rewarding process. What Is Naturalization? Naturalization is the legal process through which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen. This process grants individuals all the rights and privileges of citizenship, including the ability to vote, travel with a U.S. passport, and apply for certain government jobs. To begin the naturalization process, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, submit the required application, and complete several steps, including an interview and citizenship test. Steps in the Naturalization Process Determine Eligibility: To qualify for naturalization, you must meet basic requirements, such as: Being at least 18 years old. Holding lawful permanent resident (green card) status for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Demonstrating good moral character. Passing an English and civics test. Prepare and Submit Form N-400: The Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) is the official form to begin the process. This application includes detailed questions about your background, residency, and eligibility. Biometric Appointment: After submitting your application, USCIS will schedule a biometric appointment where your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be collected. Naturalization Interview and Civics Test: You will attend an interview with a USCIS officer, where you’ll answer questions about your application and take the civics and English tests. Oath of Allegiance: Once your application is approved, you’ll attend a naturalization ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming a U.S. citizen. Changes to the Naturalization Process Immigration policies and procedures, including naturalization, are subject to updates and changes. Proposed adjustments to the naturalization test, eligibility criteria, or processing times may impact your journey to citizenship. Additionally, changes to related immigration processes, such as green card renewals or family-based petitions, can also influence your timeline. Keeping up with these updates can be overwhelming, but working with experienced immigration attorneys, like those at Diaz Shafer Immigration, ensures you are informed and prepared for any changes that may affect your case. Why Contact Diaz Shafer Immigration? The journey to U.S. citizenship is life-changing, but it requires thorough preparation and careful adherence to evolving laws and regulations. At Diaz Shafer Immigration , we specialize in guiding individuals and families through every step of the naturalization process. With potential changes to the naturalization process on the horizon, working with our experienced team ensures you are always informed and prepared. Whether you’re starting your application or facing complications with your case, we are here to provide the personalized guidance you need.