Family Sponsorship Green Card: An Update for U.S. Citizens and LPRs

The United States has a long tradition of welcoming immigrants through family reunification. If you’re a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), you can sponsor certain eligible family members to live and work permanently in the United States. This process leads to obtaining a Family Sponsorship Green Card, which signifies lawful permanent resident status.

Obtaining a Family Sponsorship Green Card in the US

Here’s a breakdown of the key details you need to know about the Family Sponsorship Green Card process:

Who Can You Sponsor for a Family Sponsorship Green Card?

• Spouse
• Unmarried children under 21
• Parents (if you are a U.S. citizen)
• Married children (if you are a U.S. citizen and your child has been married for over two years)
• Brothers and sisters (if you are a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old)

Application Process for a Family Sponsorship Green Card

1. Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130): The U.S. citizen or LPR files this form with USCIS on behalf of the qualifying relative.
2. Wait for Petition Approval: Processing times can vary depending on the workload and the specific category.
3. National Visa Center (NVC) Involvement (if applicable): Once the petition is approved, the NVC will contact the beneficiary to start the Green Card application process. This usually applies to relatives residing outside the U.S.
4. Green Card Application (Form I-485): The beneficiary submits this form along with required documents and fees.
5. Interview and Medical Exam: Applicants may be required to attend an interview and undergo a medical examination.
6. Green Card Decision: USCIS will issue a decision on the Green Card application.

Required Documents

To qualify, these important documents are mostly required:

• Birth certificates (petitioner and beneficiary)
• Marriage certificates (if applicable)
• Evidence of financial support (for most categories)
• Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from the petitioner (for most categories)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Police certificates (from countries of residence)
• Medical examination results

Eligibility Criteria for a Sponsorship Green Card

The main eligibility criterion is the relationship to the U.S. citizen or LPR petitioner. There are also specific requirements for each family member category, such as age and marital status. Additionally, the petitioner must be able to demonstrate financial ability to support the beneficiary.

Processing Times for a Family Sponsorship Green Card

Processing times can vary significantly depending on the workload, visa category, and applicant’s background. It’s advisable to check USCIS processing times for the specific case type.

FAQs on Family Sponsorship Green Cards

1. What are the costs involved? There are associated fees for filing Form I-130, Form I-485, biometrics, and medical examination.
2. Can I expedite the Family Sponsorship Green Card process? USCIS offers expedite processing for certain compelling reasons, but it comes with additional fees.
3. What if my petition for a Family Sponsorship Green Card is denied? You have the option to appeal the decision.
4. Can I travel while waiting for a Family Sponsorship Green Card? Consult with an immigration attorney regarding travel plans during the application process.
5. What happens after I get a Family Sponsorship Green Card? Green Cards need to be renewed periodically. There are also requirements for maintaining residence in the U.S.
6. Can I become a U.S. citizen after getting a Family Sponsorship Green Card? Yes, U.S. citizens can petition for their Green Card-holding spouse or parents to become naturalized citizens after meeting eligibility requirements.
7. What if my family member is undocumented for a Family Sponsorship Green Card? Consult with our immigration consultants to explore options depending on the specific circumstances.

Navigating the complexities of the Family Sponsorship Green Card process can be daunting. To ensure a smooth application and peace of mind, consider scheduling a consultation with our experienced travel and visa consultants. They can guide you through each step, answer your questions, and help you avoid common pitfalls. Book your appointment today!