San Antonio Visa & Immigration Guides
Every Immigration Pathway — Eligibility, Forms, Costs & Timelines
U.S. immigration law offers dozens of visa categories, green card pathways, and relief options. Most people only need one or two. The challenge is identifying which pathway applies to your situation, understanding the forms and evidence required, and executing the filing correctly the first time.
This guide covers every major immigration pathway available to San Antonio residents — from family-based green cards to work visas to humanitarian relief to citizenship. Use the master comparison table below to identify your category, then follow the links to our detailed service pages for in-depth guidance.
Not sure which pathway applies to you? Start with a free consultation.
The Echavarria Law Firm · 118 E Ashby Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212 · English & Spanish
Master Immigration Pathway Comparison Table
The table below covers the most common immigration categories filed in San Antonio. Find your situation, check the requirements at a glance, and follow the link to the full guide.
| Pathway | Who Qualifies | Key Form | USCIS Fee | Typical Timeline | Detailed Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family-Based Immigration | |||||
| Immediate Relative Green Card | Spouse, parent, or child (<21) of U.S. citizen | I-130 + I-485 | ~$2,955 | 12–18 months | Family Immigration → |
| Preference Family Green Card | Adult children, siblings of USC; spouse/children of LPR | I-130 | $625–$675 | 2–20+ years | Family Immigration → |
| Marriage Green Card | Spouse of U.S. citizen or LPR | I-130 + I-485 | ~$2,955 | 12–18 months (USC) | Marriage Green Card → |
| K-1 Fiancé Visa | Engaged to U.S. citizen; beneficiary abroad | I-129F | $535 | 12–18 months | Family Immigration → |
| I-130 Petition | USC or LPR filing for qualifying relative | I-130 | $625–$675 | Varies by category | I-130 Guide → |
| Employment-Based Immigration | |||||
| H-1B Specialty Occupation | Workers in specialty occupations with employer sponsor | I-129 | Varies | Lottery + 3–6 months | Employment Visas → |
| TN (USMCA) | Canadian/Mexican citizens in listed professions | I-129 or POE | Varies | Days–months | Employment Visas → |
| L-1 Intracompany Transfer | Executives/managers (L-1A) or specialized knowledge (L-1B) | I-129 | Varies | 1–3 months (premium) | Employment Visas → |
| EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3 Green Card | Extraordinary ability, advanced degree, skilled workers | I-140 + I-485 | Varies | 1–5+ years | Green Card → |
| Humanitarian Relief | |||||
| VAWA Self-Petition | Victims of abuse by USC/LPR spouse, parent, or child | I-360 | $0 | 30–41 months | VAWA → |
| U-Visa | Victims of qualifying crimes who cooperated with law enforcement | I-918 | $0 | 5+ years (backlog) | U-Visa → |
| Parole in Place | Undocumented family of active-duty military/veterans | Varies | Varies | Case-by-case | Parole in Place → |
| Citizenship & Status Maintenance | |||||
| Citizenship / Naturalization | LPR for 5 years (3 if married to USC) | N-400 | $710–$760 | 8–14 months | Citizenship → |
| Green Card Renewal | LPR with expiring or expired card | I-90 | $415–$465 | 8–12 months | GC Renewal → |
| Adjustment of Status | Eligible applicants inside the U.S. | I-485 | $1,440 | 8–14 months | AOS → |
| DACA Renewal | Current DACA holders | I-821D | $410 | 3–8 months | Contact us for guidance |
USCIS fees as of 2026 and subject to change. Timelines are estimates based on San Antonio processing. Current San Antonio timelines & costs →
Which Immigration Pathway Is Right for You?
👨👩👧 “I have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder”
Your pathway is family-based immigration. The U.S. citizen or LPR files an I-130 petition. You then get your green card through adjustment of status (if in the U.S.) or consular processing (if abroad). Spouses, parents, and children under 21 of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives — no visa backlog wait.
Family-Based Immigration Guide →
💍 “I’m married to or engaged to a U.S. citizen”
Marriage green card if already married. K-1 fiancé visa if engaged and the beneficiary is abroad. Marriage-based cases require strong bona fide relationship evidence. If the marriage is less than 2 years old at approval, you receive a conditional green card requiring I-751 removal of conditions.
🛡️ “I’m a victim of domestic violence or a qualifying crime”
VAWA self-petition if abused by a USC or LPR spouse, parent, or child — filed without the abuser’s knowledge. U-visa if you are a victim of a qualifying crime and cooperated with law enforcement. Both pathways allow adjustment of status regardless of entry method. No USCIS filing fees.
🎖️ “My spouse serves in the U.S. military”
Parole in Place provides immigration protection for undocumented spouses, parents, and children of active-duty service members and veterans. San Antonio’s proximity to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) makes this a common pathway here. Parole in Place can enable adjustment of status.
🇺🇸 “I have a green card and want to become a U.S. citizen”
Naturalization (N-400) after 5 years as an LPR (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Requires English/civics test, good moral character, and continuous residence. Criminal history, extended travel, or tax issues can complicate eligibility — get a legal assessment first.
📋 “I’m already in the U.S. and want a green card without leaving”
Adjustment of status (I-485) lets you apply for permanent residency from inside the U.S. if you entered with lawful inspection and have an approved or pending immigrant petition. Concurrent filing of work permit (EAD) and travel document (advance parole) keeps your life moving while the case is pending.
💼 “I have a U.S. employer who wants to sponsor me”
Employment-based visas include H-1B (specialty occupation), TN (USMCA for Canadian/Mexican professionals), L-1 (intracompany transfer), and E-2 (investor). Green card options include EB-1 through EB-5 with PERM labor certification for most categories. Employer files the petition.
⚖️ “My immigration case was denied or I have a removal order”
Motion to reopen (new evidence) or motion to reconsider (legal error) may be available. In absentia removal orders can be reopened if you never received notice. Strict deadlines apply: 30 days for reconsideration, 90 days for reopening. Exceptions exist for VAWA, changed country conditions, and joint DHS motions.
Motions to Reopen & Reconsider →
USCIS Filing Fees Quick Reference (2026)
| Form | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | $625–$675 |
| I-485 | Adjustment of Status (includes biometrics) | $1,440 |
| I-765 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | $260 |
| I-131 | Advance Parole (Travel Document) | $630 |
| I-864 | Affidavit of Support | $0 |
| N-400 | Citizenship / Naturalization | $710–$760 |
| I-90 | Green Card Renewal | $415–$465 |
| I-751 | Remove Conditions on Residence | $750 |
| I-290B | Motion to Reopen / Reconsider / Appeal | $675 |
| I-129F | K-1 Fiancé Visa Petition | $535 |
| I-360 | VAWA Self-Petition | $0 (fee exempt) |
| I-918 | U-Visa Petition | $0 (fee exempt) |
| I-821D | DACA Renewal | $410 |
| I-601A | Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver | $930 |
Fees subject to change. Fee waivers (I-912) available for qualifying applicants. Full 2026 cost guide with attorney fees →
DACA Renewal in San Antonio
If you currently hold DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), you can file for renewal using Form I-821D with Form I-765 (EAD) and Form I-765WS. The USCIS filing fee is $410. USCIS recommends filing renewal applications 120–150 days before your current DACA and EAD expire to avoid gaps in work authorization.
⚠ DACA Renewal Considerations
Criminal history: Any arrest, charge, or conviction — even a dismissed case — must be disclosed. Certain criminal records can make you ineligible for DACA or put you at risk. Get a legal screening before filing if you have any criminal contact since your last renewal.
Travel: Do not travel outside the U.S. without advance parole. Departure without authorization can terminate your DACA status and trigger unlawful presence bars.
Policy changes: DACA’s legal status remains subject to ongoing litigation and potential executive action. File renewals early and maintain all documentation.
San Antonio USCIS Offices & Immigration Court
| Office | Address | Function |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Field Office | 20760 North US-281, San Antonio, TX 78258 | AOS interviews, naturalization ceremonies, case inquiries |
| USCIS Application Support Center | 2000 SE Loop 410 Access Rd, San Antonio, TX 78220 | Biometrics appointments (fingerprints, photos) |
| San Antonio Immigration Court | Federal Plaza, 727 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78206 | Removal proceedings, bond hearings, asylum hearings |
All USCIS offices require a confirmed appointment. Full San Antonio immigration office guide →
Why Work With The Echavarria Law Firm
Attorney Elizabeth F. Echavarria handles every pathway covered in this guide — family, employment, humanitarian, citizenship, DACA, and post-denial recovery. 15+ years of immigration law experience. Former Bexar County prosecutor. AILA member. Fluent in English and Spanish.
We do not spread thin across practice areas. Immigration law is what we do — at the San Antonio USCIS field office, the San Antonio Immigration Court, and at U.S. consulates worldwide through consular processing cases. Free initial consultation with transparent flat-fee pricing.
Explore All Immigration Guides & Resources
- Immigration Lawyer San Antonio
- Family-Based Immigration
- I-130 Petition Guide
- Green Card Lawyer
- Adjustment of Status
- Citizenship & Naturalization
- VAWA & U-Visa
- Parole in Place
- Motions to Reopen & Reconsider
- Marriage Green Card Guide
- Green Card Renewal Guide
- I-601A Waiver Evidence Guide
- 2026 Immigration Costs
- USCIS Timelines 2026
- San Antonio USCIS Offices
- Immigration Court Guide
- Comprehensive FAQ
- Deportation Defense FAQ
- Humanitarian AOS FAQ
- About The Echavarria Law Firm
Frequently Asked Questions — Visa & Immigration Guides
Family-based (I-130 petitions for spouses, children, parents, siblings), employment-based (H-1B, TN, L-1, E-2, EB green cards), humanitarian (VAWA, U-visa, asylum, TPS), citizenship/naturalization, and DACA renewal. Each has different eligibility, forms, fees, and timelines.
Immediate relative green cards: 12–18 months. F2A preference: 2–3 years. EB-2/EB-3: 2–5+ years. K-1 fiancé: 12–18 months. Citizenship: 8–14 months. VAWA: 30–41 months. U-visa: 5+ years. DACA renewal: 3–8 months. Current timelines →
AOS (I-485): Filed inside the U.S. — stay with family, get work permit and travel doc while pending. Consular: Interview at U.S. Embassy abroad — departure may trigger unlawful presence bars. Full AOS guide →
See the USCIS fee table above. Attorney fees: family green cards $3,000–$6,000, citizenship $1,000–$3,500, VAWA $3,000–$5,000, waivers $3,000–$7,000. Full 2026 cost breakdown →
VAWA allows domestic abuse victims of USC/LPR spouses, parents, or children to self-petition without the abuser’s knowledge. Applicants can adjust status regardless of entry method. No filing fees. VAWA & U-Visa guide →
Exceptions: VAWA, U-visa, Parole in Place, asylees/refugees. For most family-based cases, you must depart for consular processing with an I-601A waiver filed before departure.
Field Office: 20760 North US-281, 78258. Biometrics: 2000 SE Loop 410 Access Rd, 78220. Both require appointments. Full office guide →
Yes — family, marriage, K-1, employment, AOS, consular, citizenship, VAWA, U-visa, parole in place, DACA, waivers, motions to reopen, and deportation defense. English & Spanish. Free consultation: (210) 320-5633.
Your immigration journey starts with knowing your options. Let’s map them out.
The Echavarria Law Firm · 118 E Ashby Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212 · English & Spanish · Schedule Online