Reuniting families is one of our firm’s greatest honors. If you’re a Miami resident hoping to bring loved ones to the United States or to adjust their immigration status, the experienced and compassionate attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. are here to help.
For over 30 years, our Chicago-based immigration law firm has guided families nationwide—including many in the Miami area—through petitions, waivers, and interviews with care and precision. Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, we will provide the dedicated legal support your family deserves.
Why Choose Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. as Your Family Immigration Lawyer in Miami?
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. has been a trusted name in immigration law for over three decades. Our attorneys have successfully assisted thousands of families in reunifying or adjusting their status across the United States, including numerous clients in Miami and South Florida.
Our clients speak to our track record of success in securing family-based visas from all over the world. We are recognized for our high number of visa approvals, consistent and clear communication, and strong advocacy, which has earned us the trust of numerous families in Miami and South Florida.
Many of our attorneys and staff speak Spanish, which helps to bridge the language gap and fosters understanding of common cultures in Miami’s communities. If interested, please take a look at our Spanish website.
We are proud of our recognition and awards over the years.
- According to the highly regarded Martindale-Hubbell association, our peers rated us as AV (very high to preeminent).
- Our founder has been recognized on the Illinois Super Lawyers list for excellence in immigration law since 2007.
- We are rated a “10”, or superb, by Avvo for immigration law.
- We are active in professional organizations, including AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association).
We understand that every family’s story is unique.
Our team brings personalized attention and strategic counsel to every case. When you choose us, you gain a law firm that cares about your results and understands what it means to live, work, and build a life in Miami with your loved ones.
Immigration Challenges Unique to Miami
Miami is one of the largest immigration gateways in the United States. Miami-Dade County is home to more than 56% residents born abroad, making it one of the highest concentrations of foreign-born residents of any large U.S. county.
Miami’s diversity contributes to a strong demand for family immigration. However, it also brings challenges such as longer wait times and higher caseloads at local offices.
According to Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), which analyzes Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) data, as of mid-2025, the Miami Immigration Court had over 311,000 pending immigration cases, accounting for nearly 10% of the national backlog. Although not all involve family-based immigration, these numbers reflect the region’s extraordinary immigration volume.
The USCIS Miami Field Office, serving Miami-Dade, Monroe, and parts of Broward Counties, reports average processing times of 11 to 17 months, depending on the case type. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides information on processing times for specific petitions.
Due to these local factors, having a skilled and seasoned immigration attorney who understands the Miami landscape is essential for avoiding delays and ensuring accurate, timely submissions. Our professional guidance is crucial for you to reunite with your family.
How Family Immigration Works in Miami
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to petition for qualifying relatives to come or remain in the United States. The process involves coordination between USCIS, the Department of State, and sometimes immigration courts.
Our experienced immigration lawyers manage every aspect and stage of your case carefully and thoroughly while following strict legal standards. We help with petition filing, preparing documentation, the interview process, biometrics appointment, and, if necessary, any court appearances.
Immigration law is federal, so legal processes and guidelines are the same across the country. Our attorneys’ understanding of Miami’s particular immigration offices and courts means we can maneuver through Miami’s overstressed immigration system.
Miami Immigration Court Locations and Jurisdictions
Case Processing & Local Appointments
Family-based petitions and green card interviews for Miami-area residents are usually handled at:
The USCIS Miami Field Office
8801 NW 7th Avenue
Miami, FL 33150
(800) 375-5283
Biometrics Appointments
Biometrics appointments may take place at one of these USCIS Application Support Centers:
USCIS Application Support Center – Kendall
14675 SW 120th Street
Miami, FL 33186
(800) 375-5283
USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) North Miami
1620 NE 163rd St
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(800) 375-5283
Immigration Court Representation (if Needed)
If your family member faces removal proceedings or needs to reopen a prior order, hearings are typically held at:
Miami Immigration Court
One Riverview Square
333 South Miami Avenue
Suite 700, Miami, FL 33130
(305) 789-4221
Common Family Immigration Cases in Miami
Family-based immigration offers several visa options to reunite your family in Miami. We regularly assist Miami families with these common family immigration cases:
U.S. citizens can sponsor unmarried children 21 and younger as immediate relatives or adult children under family preference categories.
U.S. citizens can petition for a spouse through a spouse visa, IR-1 or CR-1, or bring a fiancé(e) to the U.S. on a K-1 visa.
U.S. citizens over 21 can sponsor their parents as immediate relatives with no visa quota waiting list.
U.S. citizens can sponsor their brothers and sisters with the F4 Family Preference category, though these visas might have longer waiting periods.
Adjustment of status is for spouses, parents, or children already in the U.S. It gives applicants the chance to obtain a green card without needing to return to their home country.
Consular processing is the process for family members living abroad to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.
Local Resources for Immigrants in Miami
Miami offers a range of community resources for immigrants and visitors:
- Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC): advocacy, outreach, community organizing in South Florida
- Hispanic Unity of Florida: legal referrals and support for Hispanic communities
- United Way Miami: Connects immigrants to food assistance, childcare, job programs, and emergency services
- Family Action Network Movement (FANM): Offers immigration, housing, and family support services.
- Miami-Dade Public Library System: Hosts multilingual education programs.
- Local Community Centers & Churches: Provide access to food pantries, ESL programs, after-school support, mentorship programs, and cultural orientation.
Our Experience Helping with Immigrant Visa Cases
Our experienced attorneys diligently assist clients seeking family-based immigrant visas. We know how to navigate federal immigration law and the Miami immigrant visa system.
For over 30 years, we have represented thousands of clients, including those in Miami, and have earned a reputation for personalized care and results. Our firm:
- Maintains a Spanish-speaking staff to facilitate clear communication
- Employs our national resources while customizing strategy to Florida and Miami-specific practices
- Approaches each family immigration case with empathy, clear communication, and a results-oriented focus
When you retain us as your Immigrant Visa Lawyers in Miami, you gain a partner who understands family immigration law and the Miami immigration system.
Steps to Take if You Seek Family Immigration in Miami
Our team will guide you through this complex family immigration process to ensure the law is followed so your loved one has a better chance of approval.
The typical family immigration process in Miami consists of several steps.
Determine Eligibility
The first step is determining if you qualify to sponsor a relative under U.S. immigration law. U.S. citizens can sponsor their children of any age, spouse, fiancé(e), parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children of any age.
Establish Visa Relationship Category
Immediate Relative (IR) visas are unlimited for close family members such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents. Family Preference (F) visas are for family members such as adult children and adult siblings. F visas have annual caps and can lead to longer wait times.
File the Petition (Form I-130)
The sponsoring relative files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. You will also submit supporting documents such as a birth certificate, a marriage license, and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
Biometrics Appointment
USCIS will mail an appointment notice to the applicant. The appointment involves collecting fingerprints, photographs, and a signature for background checks.
Wait for Petition Approval and Visa Availability
Once USCIS approves your I-130 petition, your case moves forward. There is no waiting period for immediate relatives, but other family preference categories might have extended waiting periods.
Submit Affidavit of Support
The petitioner must prove their financial ability to support the beneficiary so they will not become a public charge. Submit Form I-864: Affidavit of Support, provide evidence of income and assets, and meet the minimum income requirements for approval.
File for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
This next step depends on whether the beneficiary is inside or outside the U.S. In the U.S.: File for an Adjustment of Status using Form I-485. Outside the U.S.: Consular Processing is completed at a consulate abroad and includes filing Form DS-260: Online Immigrant Visa Application.
Attend Interview
The Miami USCIS field office or your U.S. consulate will schedule an interview to ensure your eligibility. Both the petitioner and the beneficiary may need to provide information.
Receive Decision and Complete Process
If approved, the family member receives a visa if abroad, or lawful permanent resident status if adjusting status in the U.S. Finally, the beneficiary gets their green card.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Immigration in Miami
Processing times vary. Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried minor children of U.S. citizens) usually have faster timelines than preference categories.
Yes. U.S. immigration law fully recognizes same-sex marriages for immigration purposes.
They are relatively rare, but have been increasing, particularly in cases involving alleged fraud or misrepresentation.
Generally, cases are handled by the USCIS field office covering the applicant’s residence.
Yes. Lawful permanent residents can petition for spouses and unmarried children.
While not required, an experienced immigration attorney can help you avoid delays and errors, especially when local backlogs and documentation standards are strict.
Speak to an Experienced Family Immigration Lawyer for Miami Residents
If you’re ready to reunite your family or adjust a loved one’s immigration status, the attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. are here to guide you through every step.
Our dedicated team combines decades of national experience with local insight. We are ready to assist Miami families in achieving stability, security, and peace of mind in the United States.