Family Immigration Overview

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How to Sponsor a Family Member for the U.S.

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) may petition for certain relatives to come to the United States as lawful permanent residents, or in some cases, temporarily as fiancés or dependent family members.
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Who Can Petition?

Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can file family-based immigrant petitions. The relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary determines both eligibility and the timeline involved.

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

The most straightforward and fastest family-based category covers immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of adult U.S. citizens (21 and older). These relatives are not subject to annual numerical limits, which means that once an I-130 petition is approved and the beneficiary completes the required process, they can proceed directly to a visa interview or adjustment of status without waiting for a visa number.

Family Preference Categories

Other family relationships between U.S. citizens and LPRs fall into four preference categories, each with an annual numerical limit and — for many countries of birth — significant waiting periods. The four categories are: F1 (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children); F2A (spouses and children of LPRs); F2B (unmarried sons and daughters of LPRs, aged 21 and older); F3 (married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens); and F4 (brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens).

The I-130 Petition Process

The first step in sponsoring a family member for a green card is filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This petition establishes the qualifying family relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Documentation typically includes proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or LPR status, evidence of the familial relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates), and completed USCIS forms.

Once the I-130 is approved, the process diverges depending on whether the beneficiary is inside or outside the United States. Beneficiaries inside the U.S. may be eligible for adjustment of status; those outside typically proceed through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

From Green Card to Citizenship

Family-based green card holders who meet the residence, physical presence, and other requirements may eventually apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalisation. Our attorneys assist clients at every stage of this journey — from initial I-130 filing through naturalisation — with a commitment to accuracy, care, and communication throughout.