Bringing Family to Live in the United States
Family-based immigration is one of the largest categories of immigration to the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you can sponsor eligible family members to join you in the U.S. However, there are restrictions on who you can sponsor and the waiting times for different categories of relatives.
Family of U.S. Citizens
As a U.S. citizen, you have the ability to sponsor several types of family members by filing Form I-130 with USCIS. The relatives you can sponsor include:
Spouses
Children (married or unmarried, of any age)
Parents
Siblings
However, only spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents are considered immediate relatives, which means visas are available to them without long waiting periods. Immediate relative petitions tend to be processed much faster than other family categories.
For married children, unmarried children over 21, and siblings, the waiting times can be much longer. Check the National Visa Bulletin for current processing times.
Family of U.S. Permanent Residents
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can also sponsor family members, but with more limitations compared to U.S. citizens. Green card holders can sponsor:
Spouses
Unmarried children of any age
Unlike U.S. citizens, permanent residents cannot sponsor married children or siblings. Another key difference is that they do not benefit from the faster processing of immediate relative petitions. For example, processing times for sponsoring:
Spouses and children under 21: About 2 years.
Unmarried children over 21: Approximately 7 years.
Citizenship: A Faster Path for Sponsoring Family
If you are a permanent resident, becoming a U.S. citizen before petitioning for a family member can significantly shorten waiting times, especially if you plan to sponsor children over 21 or siblings. Attaining citizenship may offer faster options for reuniting with your loved ones.
Ready to Sponsor Your Family?
Navigating the family-based immigration process can be complex, and waiting times vary depending on your status and the family member you're sponsoring. If you're considering sponsoring a relative, schedule a consultation for expert guidance on the process and the best strategy for reuniting your family.