Family Based Immigration

Family-based immigration is for foreign citizens who want to live permanently in the United States. To qualify to apply for this visa, the applicant must be sponsored by someone who is either a U.S. citizen or a Green card holder. They must be sponsored by an immediate family member at least 21 years old.

Here are the two family-based immigrant visas:

Immediate Relative – with this visa you the sponsor must be a spouse, child, or parent with U.S citizenship.

Family preference – with this visa it can be an extended family who can sponsor if they are a U.S citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR).

Note that a US Citizen can ONLY file a petition for their:

Parent
Spouse
Son or daughter
Brother or sister (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older)

Note that a US Lawful Permanent Resident can ONLY file a petition for their:

Spouse
Unmarried son or daughter

Things you need to know when applying:

You can apply for this visa if you have immediate or extended family who are either a Green Card holder or a US citizen.
US Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holders) can petition their spouse or unmarried children (under 21).
US Citizen can petition parents, children, and siblings.
Sponsor must be at least 21 years old.
Must show proof of sponsor being a relative.

Immediate family and extended family.

Note: LPRS and US citizens will not be able to sponsor other aunt, uncles, grandparents, in-laws, and cousins.

Several screenings, background checks, medical examination, and interviews
The sponsoring relative must be over the age of 21 and resides in the U.S.
Show documentation of the legitimacy of their relationship and meet income requirements.
The sponsor must have a signed affidavit of support making it known that they will be financially responsible for the applicant.
USCIS also examines all green card applications to determine if the applicant will not likely become a public charge who will need public assistance.

It can take years, based on the applicant’s relationship to their sponsor.

If you are a U.S. Citizen, then yes you can still sponsor them. However, if you are simply a Green card holder you will not be able to do so.

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