Which family members can a U.S. citizen sponsor?
A U.S. citizen can sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States through various family-based visa categories. These categories are part of the U.S. Family Preference Immigration System. The family members that a U.S. citizen can sponsor include:
- Immediate Relatives:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under the age of 21
- Parents (if the U.S. citizen sponsor is at least 21 years old)
- Family Preference Categories:
- Unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of U.S. citizens (First Preference – F1)
- Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of lawful permanent residents (Second Preference – F2A for spouses and minor children, F2B for unmarried adult children)
- Married sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens (Third Preference – F3)
- Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (Fourth Preference – F4)
It’s important to note that there are numerical limits (visa quotas) for certain family preference categories, and the wait times for processing and visa availability can vary depending on the category and the country of origin of the sponsored family member. Additionally, eligibility requirements, documentation, and application procedures may differ for each category.
The U.S. citizen sponsor must file a petition (Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative) on behalf of the family member they wish to sponsor. Once the petition is approved and a visa becomes available, the sponsored family member can proceed with the immigration process, which may involve additional forms, interviews, medical examinations, and background checks.
It’s recommended to refer to the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding family sponsorship and immigration processes.
Which family members can a permanent resident sponsor?
A permanent resident (also known as a green card holder) of the United States can sponsor certain family members for immigration through the U.S. Family Preference Immigration System. The family members that a permanent resident can sponsor include:
- Spouse and Unmarried Children:
- A permanent resident can sponsor their spouse (husband or wife) and unmarried children of any age. However, unmarried children must be under the age of 21 to be considered “minor children” under the Family Second Preference (F2A) category. Unmarried children who are 21 years old or older fall under the Family Second Preference (F2B) category.
- Unmarried Sons and Daughters (Age 21 and Over):
- Permanent residents can also sponsor their unmarried sons and daughters who are 21 years old or older. These adult children fall under the Family Second Preference (F2B) category.
It’s important to note that there are numerical limits (visa quotas) for family preference categories, and the availability of visas can vary based on the category and the country of origin of the sponsored family member. Additionally, there may be wait times for processing due to the limited number of visas available in certain categories.
The permanent resident sponsor must file a petition (Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative) on behalf of the family member they wish to sponsor. Once the petition is approved and a visa becomes available, the sponsored family member can proceed with the immigration process, which involves additional forms, interviews, medical examinations, and background checks.
As immigration policies and procedures can change, it’s recommended to consult the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or seek advice from an immigration attorney to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding family sponsorship and immigration processes.
How to sponsor a foreign relative for a green card?
Sponsoring a foreign relative for a green card (permanent residency) involves a multi-step process that requires careful attention to documentation, eligibility criteria, and USCIS procedures. Here’s a general overview of the steps to sponsor a foreign relative for a green card:
- Determine Eligibility:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to sponsor a family member.
- Ensure the family member you wish to sponsor falls within the eligible categories for family-based immigration.
- File a Petition (Form I-130):
- As a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Include supporting documents, such as proof of your relationship with the family member (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).
- Wait for Petition Approval:
- USCIS will process your I-130 petition. Once approved, USCIS will send you a notice.
- Wait for Visa Availability:
- Family-based immigration is subject to visa quotas and priority dates, which vary based on the category and the country of origin of the sponsored family member. Check the Visa Bulletin on the USCIS website to track visa availability.
- File an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864):
- You will need to show that you can financially support the sponsored family member. Submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with evidence of your income and financial resources.
- File the Application for Green Card (Form I-485) or Consular Processing:
- If the family member is already in the U.S., they can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply for a green card.
- If the family member is outside the U.S., they will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment:
- The sponsored family member will need to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks.
- Attend Interviews (if applicable):
- USCIS may require an interview for some applicants. If so, attend the interview at the designated USCIS office.
- Receive Decision:
- USCIS will review the application and make a decision. If approved, the sponsored family member will receive their green card.
It’s important to note that the process can vary based on factors such as your immigration status, the relationship with the sponsored family member, and the specific circumstances involved. It’s highly recommended to refer to the official USCIS website, review the specific instructions for each form, and consider consulting an immigration attorney to ensure accurate and up-to-date guidance throughout the sponsorship process.
