Family-Based Green Cards
Helping families build a life together in the United States is at the heart of what we do. We guide families through the green-card process with honest, careful advice. Se habla espanol.
Who can be sponsored
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for certain relatives — spouses, children, parents, and siblings — depending on their own status. The category determines the process and the wait, which is why it helps to map out the right path from the start.
How we help
We help you choose the correct category, prepare the petition and supporting evidence, and avoid the mistakes that cause delays or denials. Every case begins with a consultation about your family’s specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Who can I sponsor for a green card as a U.S. citizen?
As a U.S. citizen, you can generally petition for your spouse, children, parents, and siblings. Your spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents are considered “immediate relatives,” which usually means no annual waiting line, while adult children and siblings fall into family-preference categories that can involve a wait.
Who can a green card holder petition for?
A lawful permanent resident can generally petition for a spouse and unmarried children. Permanent residents cannot petition for parents or siblings, and married children of residents are not eligible until the resident becomes a U.S. citizen, so timing can matter for your family’s options.
What is the difference between an immediate relative and a family-preference category?
Immediate relatives (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens) are not subject to annual visa limits, so a visa is generally available right away. Family-preference categories F1 through F4 have yearly caps, which is why applicants in those groups often wait for a visa to become available.
What are the F1, F2, F3, and F4 categories?
These are the family-preference groups: F1 is unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens, F2 covers spouses and children (F2A) and unmarried adult children (F2B) of permanent residents, F3 is married children of U.S. citizens, and F4 is siblings of U.S. citizens. Each category has a limited number of visas each year, so wait times vary by category and country.
What is Form I-130 and who files it?
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the form the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor files with USCIS to establish a qualifying family relationship. Approval of the I-130 does not by itself grant a green card; it is the first step that lets your relative move forward when a visa is available.
How long does a family-based green card take?
It depends heavily on the category and the relative’s country. Immediate relatives generally move faster, while family-preference categories can take much longer because of annual limits. A consultation can give you a realistic timeline for your specific situation.
What is a priority date?
Your priority date is generally the date USCIS received the I-130 petition, and it acts like your place in line for the preference categories. You compare it against the monthly Visa Bulletin to see when a visa may become available for your category and country.
What is the Visa Bulletin and why does it matter?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly chart published by the U.S. Department of State showing which priority dates are “current” for each family category and country. When your priority date becomes current, your relative can generally move forward with the green card process; until then, they wait in line.
Why do some countries have longer waits than others?
U.S. law limits how many family-preference visas can go to applicants from any single country each year. Because demand from certain countries is very high, applicants born there can face longer waits than applicants from countries with less demand.
How much does a family-based green card cost?
There are USCIS and, in many cases, Department of State fees at different stages of the process. Costs vary depending on whether your relative is applying from inside or outside the U.S., so a consultation can help you plan for the full picture.
What is the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)?
Form I-864 is a legally enforceable promise by the sponsor to financially support the immigrant and show they are unlikely to rely on certain public benefits. The sponsor must generally meet a minimum income level based on household size.
What if the sponsor doesn’t earn enough income for the Affidavit of Support?
If the sponsor’s income falls short, options may include using certain assets or adding a joint sponsor who meets the requirements and agrees to take on the same obligation. Each situation is different, so a consultation can help you figure out the best approach.
Do I need a lawyer for a family-based green card?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but the process involves detailed forms, deadlines, and rules where mistakes can cause delays or denials. An attorney can review your situation and help you avoid common pitfalls. Important: only a licensed attorney or an accredited representative can give legal advice, not a notary or “notario.”
Can my relative live in the U.S. while the petition is pending?
It depends on their category and how they entered. Immediate relatives already in the U.S. may sometimes be able to adjust status, while preference-category relatives usually must wait abroad for their priority date to become current. A consultation can tell you what applies to your family.
What happens to the petition if the sponsor passes away?
The death of a sponsor can affect a pending case, but in some situations the case may still continue through special provisions in the law. These rules are complex, so it is worth speaking with an attorney about whether your case may qualify for relief.
Can I petition for my stepchild or adopted child?
In many cases yes, but there are timing and age requirements — for example, a stepchild relationship generally must be created before the child turns 18, and adoptions have their own detailed rules. Because these requirements are strict, it helps to confirm eligibility with an attorney.
What is the Child Status Protection Act and why does it matter?
The Child Status Protection Act can, in some cases, “freeze” or adjust a child’s age for immigration purposes so they don’t lose eligibility simply because they turned 21 during a long wait. Whether it helps depends on the specific dates in your case, which an attorney can review.
What if my family-based petition is denied?
A denial is not always the end of the road; depending on the reason, you may be able to appeal, file a motion to reopen, or address the issue and refile. Understanding why it was denied is the first step, and a consultation can help you decide the next move.
Can I petition for more than one family member at the same time?
Yes, you can file separate petitions for different qualifying relatives, and in some categories certain family members (like a spouse and children) may be included as derivatives. Each relationship has its own rules, so it’s worth mapping out your family’s situation with an attorney. Se habla espanol.
Does a criminal record or prior immigration issue affect a family petition?
It can, depending on the specifics — some issues create bars or require a waiver, while others may have little effect. Because the consequences can be serious and fact-specific, you should not guess; a confidential consultation with a licensed attorney can help you understand your options.
This is federal law — but where you are still matters
What is on this page applies the same way in every state. Which office and court handle your case, how detention works where you are, and how far local police cooperate with immigration enforcement are not the same across California, Arizona and New Mexico. Pick your state for that.