Family Immigration Lawyer in Nashville, TN

First Class Immigration is a family immigration law firm in Franklin, serving Nashville, Middle Tennessee, and families across the U.S. We help U.S. citizens and green card holders bring spouses, fiancé(e)s, children, parents, and siblings to the United States, and help family members already here get their green cards. Every case starts with a consultation with an immigration lawyer who tells you which path fits and what it involves.

Immediate relatives

Spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children under 21, and parents of adult U.S. citizens. There is no annual cap, so the only wait is processing time. Most of our marriage-based clients file the I-130 and I-485 together and adjust status without leaving the country.

Family preference categories

Adult and married children of citizens, siblings of citizens, and spouses and children of permanent residents. These categories are capped each year, so the wait depends on your priority date and the monthly Visa Bulletin. We track your date and file the moment it becomes current.

Fiancé(e) visas and consular processing

If your spouse or fiancé(e) is abroad, we prepare the K-1 or immigrant visa case, handle the National Visa Center stage, and get you ready for the consular interview.

Removing conditions and waivers

Conditional green cards from a marriage under two years old require the I-751 before they expire. Where a prior entry or overstay creates a bar, we evaluate I-601 and I-601A provisional waivers before anything is filed.

How a case works with us

ConsultationWe review the relationship, each person's immigration history, and where your family member is now, and tell you whether the case runs through adjustment of status in the U.S. or an immigrant visa abroad.
PetitionWe prepare the I-130 (or the I-129F for a fiancé(e)) with evidence of the relationship, and the affidavit of support showing the sponsor meets the income requirement.
Green card or visa stageFor family members in the U.S., the I-485 with work and travel permits. For those abroad, the National Visa Center file and preparation for the consular interview.
Interview and afterWe prepare you for the interview, answer any request for evidence, and remind conditional residents when it is time to file the I-751.

Common questions

What is the difference between a K-1 fiancé(e) visa and a marriage green card?

A K-1 lets the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen enter the country to marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card here. If you are already married, your spouse applies for a green card directly, either from inside the U.S. or through a consulate abroad. Which route is simpler depends on your situation, so we compare both at the consultation.

Can I get a green card through marriage if my visa has expired?

Often, yes. Spouses of U.S. citizens who were inspected and admitted when they entered can usually adjust status in the U.S. even after their status has lapsed. Entry without inspection, a prior removal order, or certain criminal history changes the analysis, so have a lawyer review your history before you file.

How long does a family-based green card take?

It depends on the category. Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens are not subject to annual limits, so the wait is processing time. The preference categories also wait for a visa number, which can take years; the State Department's monthly Visa Bulletin shows where each category stands.

What is a conditional green card?

If you had been married less than two years when your green card was approved, you receive a two-year conditional card. You and your spouse file Form I-751 during the 90 days before it expires to remove the conditions and receive a 10-year card.

General information, not legal advice for your case. Every situation is different; a consultation confirms what applies to you.

Forms and categories we handle here

I-130I-485K-1I-751

Existing clients

Family-based immigration