Bringing family members to the United States is one of the most common ways to secure permanent residency. If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may be able to help a relative get a green card. The process requires patience and attention to detail, but for many families, it is worth the effort. Whether you are helping a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, understanding the requirements can make a difference in getting approved. Sponsoring a loved one can be a rewarding step toward keeping your family together.

Understanding Family-Based Green Cards

Family-based green cards allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to help relatives become permanent residents. There are two main categories:

  • Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) have no numerical limit.
  • Family preference categories cover more distant relatives, such as siblings and married children. These categories have annual limits, leading to wait times.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?

Sponsoring a family member for a green card depends on your immigration status. U.S. citizens can petition for a broader range of relatives than green card holders. To qualify as a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years old and reside in the U.S.

U.S. citizens can sponsor:

  • Spouses
  • Children (married or unmarried)
  • Parents (if the sponsor is 21 or older)
  • Siblings

Green card holders can sponsor:

  • Spouses
  • Unmarried children

Sponsors must also meet financial requirements to prove they can support the applicant without government assistance.

How to Apply for a Family-Based Green Card

Applying for a family-based green card involves several steps, and the process varies depending on whether the applicant is in the U.S. or abroad.

Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

  • The sponsor submits Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with proof of the family relationship.
  • USCIS reviews the petition and, if approved, forwards it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.

Step 2: Wait for Approval and Visa Availability

  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not wait for a visa number.
  • Family preference applicants may experience longer wait times due to annual limits.

Step 3: Apply for a Green Card

  • If the applicant is in the U.S., they file Form I-485 and other related forms for adjustment of status.
  • If outside the U.S., they complete consular processing at a U.S. embassy.

Step 4: Attend an Interview and Submit Documents

  • The applicant provides financial records, medical exams, and other necessary documents.

Step 5: Receive a Decision

  • If approved, the green card arrives in the mail within weeks or months.

What Can Delay or Prevent Approval?

Several factors can slow down or block a family-based green card application. Understanding these potential issues can help avoid unnecessary setbacks.

  • Inadmissibility issues: Certain criminal records, immigration violations, or fraudulent applications can result in denial. Prior deportations may require a waiver before approval is possible.
  • Financial problems: The sponsor must submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to prove financial stability. If the sponsor’s income is too low, a joint sponsor may be needed.
  • Public charge concerns: If USCIS believes the applicant is likely to depend on government assistance, they may reject the application.
  • Errors or missing information: Incorrect forms, missing documents, or lack of proof of relationship can delay processing.
  • Visa backlogs: Family preference applicants often face long wait times due to yearly visa limits.

Proper preparation and complete documentation can help avoid these common roadblocks.

Contact an Experienced Orlando Family-Based Permanent Residency Attorney

Sponsoring a family member for a green card can be a meaningful but complex process. Understanding the requirements, preparing the right documents, and avoiding common pitfalls can make a difference in getting approved. At Central Justice, we help families through each step, ensuring applications are complete and accurate. If you are ready to start the process or have questions about sponsorship, contact us today. We are here to help bring your loved ones closer to permanent residency.