U.S. citizens or at least people with green cards have probably considered bringing their families to the country, but it is not so easy. This article is going to discuss all the aspects of the green card sponsorship of the family members, such as who can sponsor and the processing time.
Setting the Record Straight
First, let’s set aside the idea of chain migration. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t bring your entire extended family over all at once; it’s more complicated than that.
Who Can You Sponsor?
This depends on your status. Here’s who you can bring over:
For U.S. Citizens:
- Immediate Relatives: Parents, spouses, and unmarried children.
- Preference Relatives: Married children, adult children, and siblings.
For Green Card Holders:
- Unmarried children and spouses.
- It’s worth noting that certain family members, like grandparents or cousins, aren’t eligible for sponsorship under these categories.
The Waiting Game
Now, let’s talk about the waiting period. Immediate relatives have it easier, but preference relatives might face significant delays. Here’s a breakdown:
- Immediate Relatives: They can get green cards without worrying about numerical limits, but there’s still a processing wait time.
- Preference Relatives: The wait times vary based on specific categories and the applicant’s country of origin. It could range from a few years to over two decades, depending on the category and where they’re from.
Starting the Process
As a U.S. citizen or green card holder, it’s up to you to kick off the sponsorship process. Start by making sure you’re eligible, then follow the necessary steps to bring your loved ones closer to their American dream.
Navigating this journey isn’t always easy, but with a clear understanding of the process and some patience, you can help reunite your family in the U.S. It’s a precious opportunity, and with the right guidance, it’s within reach.
A green card holder (lawful permanent resident) cannot sponsor their parents or siblings for a U.S. Green Card. This limitation is established by U.S. immigration law, which allows only U.S. citizens to sponsor their parents and siblings.
Key Points
- Parents: Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can sponsor their parents for permanent residency. Green card holders do not have this privilege.
- Siblings: Similarly, green card holders cannot sponsor their siblings. This sponsorship is also reserved for U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old.
- Eligible Family Members: Green card holders can sponsor:
- Their spouse
- Unmarried children (of any age)
- Adult unmarried children (21 years or older) under the family preference category
Path to Citizenship: If a green card holder wishes to sponsor their parents or siblings, they must first become a U.S. citizen. After naturalization, they can file the necessary petitions to bring their family members to the U.S.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the United States straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for Immediate Relative Visas or Family Preference Visas, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
