One of the most meaningful benefits of citizenship is the ability to help bring your loved ones to the United States. As a citizen, you can petition for certain family members to get lawful permanent residence, commonly known as a green card.
Here’s a clear breakdown of who qualifies, what steps to take, and how long it might take.
Family Members You Can Sponsor
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried sons and daughters age 21 or older
- Married sons and daughters (any age)
- Parents (if you are at least 21 years old)
- Siblings (if you are at least 21 years old)
Immediate relatives such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents do not have to wait for a visa number. All other relatives fall under “family preference categories,” which are subject to annual caps and waiting periods caused by visa backups.
Step 1: File Form I-130
To start the process, you must file a separate Petition for Alien Relative for each family member you wish to sponsor.
When filing, include:
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship (naturalization certificate or U.S. passport)
- Proof of your relationship to the family member (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Filing fee (currently $535, subject to change)
Step 2: Wait for USCIS Approval
Once you submit the petition, USCIS will process your petition and send a decision. If approved, your family member must wait for a visa number (if not an immediate relative). The wait time depends on their category and country of birth.
Check visa availability at the U.S. Visa Bulletin.
Step 3: Green Card Processing
Once a visa number becomes available, or immediately for immediate relatives, your family member can apply for a green card:
- If they are in the U.S.: File an application to adjust status.
- If they are abroad: They will complete consular processing through the National Visa Center (NVC).
Can I Sponsor Cousins, In-Laws, or Grandchildren?
No. U.S. citizens cannot sponsor in-laws, grandparents, grandchildren, or cousins directly. However, once your spouse or child becomes a permanent resident or citizen, they may be able to sponsor other family members under their own status.
Conclusion
Sponsoring family is one of the most powerful ways to reunite and support your loved ones through your new status as a U.S. citizen. The process starts with Form I-130 and can take time depending on the relationship and visa category, but it’s a valuable path forward for families around the world.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding a U.S. immigration matter, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
CHRISTINE JURUSIK is a Partner at Richards and Jurusik and Focuses her practice solely on U.S. Immigration law, with a specialized focus on advising families and individuals on the family-based immigration process and on obtaining U.S. Citizenship. She also handles Canadian Rehabilitation and DUI inadmissibility matters for U.S. Citizens seeking to overcome inadmissibility to Canada. (Full Bio)
