From Across the Globe to U.S. Soil: Navigating Family-Based Green Card Sponsorship

Sponsoring married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens for permanent residency involves following a specific process within the U.S. Family Preference Immigration System. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sponsor married sons and daughters for permanent residency:
- Check Eligibility:
- You must be a U.S. citizen to sponsor your married son or daughter for permanent residency.
- Your son or daughter must be legally married at the time of filing the petition.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative:
- Complete and submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Include all required supporting documents, such as proof of your U.S. citizenship (e.g., copy of your naturalization certificate, passport), birth certificates showing the parent-child relationship, and evidence of the marital relationship.
- Wait for Petition Approval:
- USCIS will process your I-130 petition. Once approved, USCIS will notify you and forward the approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- NVC Processing:
- The NVC will contact you with instructions on submitting visa processing fees, completing the visa application form (Form DS-260), and providing required documents.
- Wait for Visa Availability:
- Check the Visa Bulletin on the Department of State’s website to track the priority date and visa availability for the Family Third Preference (F3) category (married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens).
- Attend Medical Examination and Visa Interview:
- After receiving notification from the NVC, the sponsored relative and their spouse (if applicable) will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
- Attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the sponsored relative’s country of residence.
- Receive Visa and Enter the U.S.:
- If the visa is approved, the sponsored married son or daughter and their spouse (if applicable) can enter the U.S. as permanent residents.
- Apply for a Green Card (Form I-485) and Adjustment of Status:
- Upon entering the U.S., the sponsored relative and their spouse (if applicable) can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply for their green cards.
- Attend any required USCIS interviews and biometrics appointments.
- Receive Green Cards:
- If the I-485 applications are approved, the sponsored married son or daughter and their spouse (if applicable) will receive their green cards.
Remember that immigration policies and procedures can change, and the specific steps and requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. It’s crucial to refer to the official USCIS website and consult with an immigration attorney or legal expert to ensure accurate and up-to-date guidance throughout the process.
Sponsoring Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens for permanent residency
Sponsoring brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens for permanent residency involves a specific process within the U.S. Family Preference Immigration System. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sponsor brothers and sisters for permanent residency:
- Check Eligibility:
- You must be a U.S. citizen to sponsor your brother or sister for permanent residency.
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative:
- Complete and submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Include all required supporting documents, such as proof of your U.S. citizenship (e.g., copy of your naturalization certificate, passport), birth certificates showing the sibling relationship, and any necessary translations.
- Wait for Petition Approval:
- USCIS will process your I-130 petition. Once approved, USCIS will notify you and forward the approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- NVC Processing:
- The NVC will contact you with instructions on submitting visa processing fees, completing the visa application form (Form DS-260), and providing required documents.
- Wait for Visa Availability:
- Check the Visa Bulletin on the Department of State’s website to track the priority date and visa availability for the Family Fourth Preference (F4) category (brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens).
- Attend Medical Examination and Visa Interview:
- After receiving notification from the NVC, the sponsored sibling will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
- Attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the sponsored sibling’s country of residence.
- Receive Visa and Enter the U.S.:
- If the visa is approved, the sponsored sibling can enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
- Apply for a Green Card (Form I-485) and Adjustment of Status:
- Upon entering the U.S., the sponsored sibling can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply for a green card.
- Attend any required USCIS interviews and biometrics appointments.
- Receive Green Card:
- If the I-485 application is approved, the sponsored sibling will receive their green card.
Remember that immigration policies and procedures can change, and the specific steps and requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. It’s crucial to refer to the official USCIS website and consult with an immigration attorney or legal expert to ensure accurate and up-to-date guidance throughout the process.