Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?

Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor relatives for immigration. The sponsor must file a petition proving the relationship and take financial responsibility for the person.

Eligible Family Relationships

If You Are a U.S. Citizen, you can sponsor:

  • Your spouse
  • Your unmarried or married children of any age
  • Your parents (if you are over 21)
  • Your siblings (if you are over 21)

If You Are a Green Card Holder, you can sponsor:

  • Your spouse
  • Your unmarried children

Note: Green card holders cannot sponsor married children, parents, or siblings.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
    • This form establishes your relationship with the family member
    • Filing fee: $535
    • Submit to USCIS with supporting documents
  2. Wait for Approval
    • Immediate relatives (spouses, minor children, parents of U.S. citizens) do not have to wait for a visa number
    • Others must wait for a visa to become available based on the Visa Bulletin
  3. Your Family Member Applies for a Visa or Adjustment of Status
    • If they’re outside the U.S., they go through consular processing via the National Visa Center
    • If they’re inside the U.S., they may file Form I-485 (green card application), if eligible
  4. Attend Interviews and Submit Biometrics
    • The U.S. government may require fingerprints, photos, and a formal interview
  5. Receive a Decision
    • If approved, the family member receives a green card (permanent resident status)

Documents to Submit with I-130

  • Proof of your U.S. citizenship or green card (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card copy)
  • Proof of relationship (birth certificates, marriage license, etc.)
  • If sponsoring a spouse, additional evidence of a real marriage (photos, joint finances, lease, etc.)

Understanding Priority Categories

Family-based immigration is divided into preference categories, which determine how long the wait is. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (like spouses and parents) are not subject to quotas and usually have faster processing.

Use the Visa Bulletin to check your category’s current wait time.

Where to Get Help

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