How do I sponsor a family member for a US green card?
US citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for certain family members to immigrate. US citizens may sponsor spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents, and siblings. LPRs may sponsor spouses and unmarried children. The process starts with filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS.
Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of US citizens are immediate relatives and face no annual visa cap, meaning visa numbers are always available and waits are much shorter. All other family categories fall under family preference tiers, which have annual caps and can involve multi-year waits depending on the beneficiary's country of birth and relationship.
Once a visa becomes available (based on the monthly Visa Bulletin), the beneficiary applies for an immigrant visa at a US consulate abroad or, if already in the US, files Form I-485 to adjust status. Financial sponsors must also file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to show the ability to support the immigrant above the poverty line.
This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer or registered migration agent for your specific situation.
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