Family-Based Green Card Petition: What You Need to Know
If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident looking to help a family member become a lawful permanent resident (get a green card), there are options. The family-based petition process allows eligible relatives to live and work in the U.S. permanently and eventually, become a citizen. Below is a quick guide to how it works, who qualifies, and what’s needed.
The Process in a Nutshell
When sponsoring a family member, you and your family member are asking the government for two things: permission for your relative to live in the U.S. permanently (the green card) and permission for them to live and work in the U.S. while the application is processed.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
You can sponsor close relatives, such as:
- Spouses
- Children (both minor and adult)
- Parents
- Siblings (if you’re a U.S. citizen)
What You’ll Need to Provide
This process requires proof of the legal family relationship, your ability to support the family member financially, certain evidence, which typically includes:
- Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificates, birth certificates)
- Sponsor’s proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
- Proof of ability to support the relative (tax returns, employment letters)
Eligibility Criteria
In addition to meeting the affirmative requirements, your family member will also need to have no serious criminal or immigration history. If they do, it doesn’t mean the case is hopeless, but it does mean you should speak with an experienced immigration attorney who is willing to fight for you.
The process is slightly different if the relative is outside the U.S., in which case they’ll go through consular processing.
Wait Times
Processing times can vary depending on several factors, like your relationship to the family member and whether you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens) typically have shorter wait times compared to other family members. For qualifying family members, they may be able to get a work permit within six months!
What Happens After Filing
Once everything is submitted, your family member will likely be able to get a work permit while the green card is being processed. This allows them to work legally in the U.S. while they wait for their case to be completed.
If you have any questions or want to see if your family member qualifies, feel free to contact us. We’re here to fight for your rights, your family, and your dreams.