In our interconnected world, families often find themselves separated by vast distances. For those living in the United States, reuniting with loved ones abroad is a common goal. Sponsoring family members for green cards, and granting permanent residence, offers hope. However, the process is complex and varies based on your immigration status and specific family relationships.
Who Can Help Immigrate?
To sponsor family members to the U.S., you must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder). Even with the right status, only certain family members can be sponsored. Here’s a breakdown:
Immediate Relative vs. Preference Relative
U.S. Citizen Age 21 or Older:
Immediate Relatives:
Parents
Spouse
Minor, unmarried children
U.S. Citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes):
Immediate Relative:
Spouse
U.S. Permanent Resident:
Preference Relatives (2nd preference—2A or 2B):
Unmarried children
Spouse
U.S. Citizen Age 21 or Older:
Preference Relatives (1st or 3rd preference):
Married children or adult children
Preference Relative (4th preference):
Brothers and sisters
Notably missing are grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents-in-law, and other extended family members. However, once a family member immigrates, they can sponsor their spouses and children.
Waiting Periods for Relatives
The journey to a green card involves waiting periods, varying by relationship type and the applicant’s country of origin. Immediate relatives have faster processing without numerical limits, though there’s still a wait while USCIS and the State Department process applications.
Preference relatives face longer waits due to annual caps on green cards, especially for high-demand countries like India, Mexico, China, and the Philippines.
Current Average Waiting Periods (as of February 2021)
First Preference (F1): Adult, unmarried children of U.S. citizens
Average: 6 years; Mexico: 23 years; Philippines: 9 years
Second Preference (F2A and F2B): Spouses or children of permanent residents
F2A (spouses/minor children): Currently no wait, historically 2-22 years
F2B (unmarried children over 21): Average: 6 years; Mexico: 22 years; Philippines: 10 years
Third Preference (F3): Married children of U.S. citizens
Average: 13 years; Mexico: 24 years; Philippines: 19 years
Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens
Average: 14 years; India: 15 years; Mexico: 22 years; Philippines: 19 years
While these periods can change, siblings of U.S. citizens from the Philippines typically face the longest waits.
Starting the Application Process
As a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you must initiate the sponsorship process. Your family member cannot enter the U.S. until both the petition and subsequent applications are approved.
Reuniting with family in the United States is a heartfelt aspiration. While obtaining green cards involves waiting periods and specific eligibility criteria, many families have successfully navigated this path. Understanding the nuances of sponsorship categories and associated waiting times is the first step toward making your dream of family reunification a reality.
Remember, immigration policies can change. For the most up-to-date advice, consult with an immigration attorney or a reputable immigration organization.