❓ Family Visa Sponsorship: Bringing Your Family to the U.S.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to sponsor certain family members for a green card. The process depends on your status and your relationship to the family member.

Who Can You Sponsor?

U.S. Citizens can sponsor:

• Spouse — Immediate Relative (no wait)
• Unmarried children under 21 — Immediate Relative (no wait)
• Parents — Immediate Relative (no wait, if you are 21+)
• Siblings and adult children — preference categories (long wait, often 10–20+ years)

Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor:

• Spouse and unmarried children — preference categories (wait time: 2–5 years typically)

Basic Steps

1. File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS — 35 fee
2. Wait for approval and visa number to become available
3. Beneficiary applies for an immigrant visa at U.S. embassy or adjusts status if already in the U.S.
4. Attend an interview
5. Receive green card

Financial Sponsorship Requirement

You must file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) showing your income is at least 125% of the federal poverty level for your household size. If your income is too low, a joint sponsor can help.

Important Note

Immigration laws change frequently. Always verify current processing times at uscis.gov and consider consulting an immigration attorney for complex situations.