What Can You Do Now as a Green Card Holder?
Becoming a lawful permanent resident opens the door to long-term stability in the U.S. You now have the ability to live and work in the United States permanently, travel more freely, and build your life with greater certainty. You may also be eligible for certain government benefits, access to financial services, and in-state tuition rates in many states. Most importantly, you’ve taken a major step toward building a future in the U.S. – and possibly helping your loved ones do the same.
Who Can You Sponsor as a Green Card Holder?
As a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you can sponsor certain family members for their own green cards. These include:
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Your spouse
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Your unmarried children (any age)
You cannot sponsor parents, siblings, or married children until you become a U.S. citizen.
What Are Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor?
If you decide to sponsor a family member, you must agree to support them financially once they arrive in the United States. This includes signing an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), which confirms that your relative will not become dependent on government assistance. Your responsibilities continue until your sponsored relative becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 quarters (10 years) of work, or permanently leaves the U.S.
What’s the First Step?
To start the sponsorship process, you must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes your qualifying relationship with the family member you wish to sponsor. Each sponsored relative must have their own separate I-130 petition filed on their behalf.
What to Expect During the Process
Once USCIS approves the I-130, your relative will need to:
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Wait for a visa to become available in their preference category (this timeline varies)
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Complete either consular processing (if they’re outside the U.S.) or adjustment of status (if they’re lawfully inside the U.S.)
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Submit additional forms and attend a biometrics appointment or visa interview
Sponsoring a family member can take months to several years, depending on visa availability and the applicant’s country of origin.
Conclusion
Becoming a U.S. permanent resident is a major milestone—congratulations! Whether you earned your green card through marriage, employment, or another path, you now have new opportunities and responsibilities. One of the most meaningful is the ability to sponsor certain family members for lawful permanent residence. It’s also important to understand your obligations as a sponsor, including financial responsibilities under the Affidavit of Support.
As you plan ahead – whether you’re considering sponsoring a loved one or eventually applying for U.S. citizenship – stay informed, stay compliant, and don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance. Your immigration journey doesn’t end with a green card—it evolves.
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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.
