Family-Based Green Card

Permanent residence sponsored by a close relative.

Green Card (Permanent Residence)

Overview

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor certain relatives for a green card. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) have no annual cap, while other family preference categories are subject to numerical limits and waiting times.

Who it's for

  • Spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens
  • Spouses and children of lawful permanent residents
  • Other qualifying family preference relatives

Key points

Form I-130

The sponsoring relative files the Petition for Alien Relative.

Immediate vs. preference

Immediate relatives have no cap; preference categories have waits.

Adjust or consular process

Complete the green card via adjustment of status or consular processing.

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys in the U.S. Kindly do not depend upon us for legal advice. Our scope of services is limited to documentation for immigration petitions.