Family Sponsorship for Green Card
US citizens and permanent residents are able to sponsor eligible family members for a green card. Sponsoring a family member for permanent residency is a three part process: the first stage is filing the Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS, the second stage is processing documents through the National Visa Center (NVC), and finally the Immigrant Visa application at the relevant US consular post. Once your relative has received their permanent resident status they are free to live and work throughout the United States.
Which family members can I sponsor for a green card?
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Whether you are a US citizen or permanent residents determines which family members you are eligible to sponsor. US citizens have more options when it comes to family green card sponsorship versus permanent residents.
US citizens can sponsor the following family members:
US permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor the following family members:
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Good to Know
Only spouses, unmarried children under the age of twenty-one, and parents of US citizens are considered immediate relatives. Visas for immediate relatives are available immediately. US citizens sponsoring their siblings or adult/married children, as well as permanent residents sponsoring their spouse or unmarried children must wait for a visa to become available before their relative can immigrate. The wait time depends on a number of factors including the relationship of the relative and current USCIS processing times.
Family sponsorship is a relatively straightforward process for obtaining a US green card. Nevertheless, it is important to discuss any law enforcement history with your immigration attorney, as you may require a waiver if you are considered inadmissible to enter the US.
US citizens presently engaged to a foreign national may also qualify to sponsor their fiancé(e) for a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa. Once their foreign fiancé(e) is in the United States they can complete the green card process.
To learn more about sponsoring eligible relatives for permanent residency (green card) contact our office to arrange a consultation with one of our US immigration lawyers.
Family sponsorship is a relatively straightforward process for obtaining a US green card. Nevertheless, it is important to discuss any law enforcement history with your immigration attorney, as you may require a waiver if you are considered inadmissible to enter the US.
US citizens presently engaged to a foreign national may also qualify to sponsor their fiancé(e) for a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa. Once their foreign fiancé(e) is in the United States they can complete the green card process.
To learn more about sponsoring eligible relatives for permanent residency (green card) contact our office to arrange a consultation with one of our US immigration lawyers.
