👨‍👩‍👧 The U.S. immigration system allows citizens and green card holders to sponsor certain family members for permanent residency (green cards). This pathway helps reunite families and build lives together in the United States.
This guide explains the categories, timelines, and legal steps involved in bringing your loved ones to the U.S.
Who Can You Sponsor for a Green Card?
🟢 If You Are a U.S. Citizen:
You may sponsor your:
-
âś… Spouse
-
âś… Unmarried children under 21
-
âś… Unmarried children over 21 (longer wait)
-
âś… Married children of any age
-
âś… Parents (if you’re 21+)
-
âś… Siblings (if you’re 21+)
🔵 If You Are a Green Card Holder:
You may sponsor your:
-
âś… Spouse
-
âś… Unmarried children under or over 21
(Married children or siblings not eligible until you become a citizen)
Immediate Relatives vs. Family Preference Categories
👨‍❤️‍👨 Immediate Relatives (U.S. citizen sponsors only)
-
No quota limits = faster processing
-
Includes spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21
🧾 Family Preference Categories
-
Subject to annual visa limits = slower
-
Four preference categories (F1 to F4) based on the relationship
Step-by-Step: Sponsoring a Family Member
-
đź“ť File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS
-
📬 Wait for petition approval and priority date
-
📆 Monitor Visa Bulletin for visa availability
-
🗂️ Proceed with:
-
Adjustment of Status (if family member is in the U.S.)
-
Consular Processing (if they’re abroad)
-
-
đź“„ Submit required forms (I-485, DS-260, affidavits, medical exam, etc.)
-
🗣️ Interview at USCIS or U.S. consulate
-
âś… Receive green card if approved
What Is the Wait Time?
⏳ Processing depends on the category, your immigration status, and your family member’s country of origin.
| Sponsor | Relationship | Wait Time (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Citizen | Spouse/Child <21 | 12–18 months |
| Green Card Holder | Spouse | 2–3 years |
| U.S. Citizen | Sibling | 10–15+ years |
| U.S. Citizen | Parent | 12–15 months |
BorderlessLawyers Can Help With:
đź“Ś Filing and tracking I-130
đź“Ś Adjustment of Status and DS-260
đź“Ś Overcoming inadmissibility issues
đź“Ś Waivers for unlawful presence
đź“Ś Interview preparation
đź“Ś Appeals and motions to reopen
FAQs
Q: Can my fiancé(e) get a green card?
💍 No, fiancé(e)s need to apply for a K-1 visa first. After marriage in the U.S., they can apply for a green card.
Q: Can my undocumented spouse get a green card?
🚨 Possibly—with legal help and depending on their entry history and if they qualify for a waiver.
Q: Can I sponsor my grandparents?
🛑 No. U.S. immigration law does not allow direct sponsorship of grandparents.
Reunite Your Family with Expert Legal Help
At BorderlessLawyers, we make family-based green card applications smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse or parent, we guide every legal step. Let us bring your loved ones home to the U.S.