As either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder), you have the right, under U.S. immigration law, to ask that certain foreign-born members of your family be able to join you in the United States. However, this won't happen instantly. You will need to start the process by proving your family relationship. If you are not "immediate relatives," your family members will have3 to wait until a visa (green card) is available in their category (which may take years). Finally, your family member will submit an application for a green card.
Green Cards for Your Family: Sponsorship Rules
Can your relatives come to the U.S. and receive a green card? It depends on how the family member is related.
Sponsoring a Fiancé or Spouse for a Visa or Green Card
How to make sure your new family member can join you in the U.S.
When Children Can Immigrate to the U.S. With Their Parents as "Derivatives"
Learn when children can piggyback on a parent's right to immigrate to the U.S., and when they'll instead need a separate family relationship and petition filed on their behalf.
How the CSPA Helps Family-Based Preference Relatives and Derivative Beneficiaries
Turning 21 no longer destroys children's eligibility as it used to -- learn the details here.
How the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Helps Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
Turning 21 is cause for concern when the beneficiary is the child of a U.S. lawful permanent resident, but the immigration law adds some legal protections.
Can U.S. Citizens Sponsor Half-Siblings or Step-Siblings for a Green Card?
Half-blood sibling relationships qualify for U.S. immigration purposes.
Who Counts as a Child When Getting an Immigrant Visa or Green Card?
Not only natural-born children, but also adopted and stepchildren can immigrate through their parents if certain conditions are met.
As a U.S. Citizen, Can I Petition for My Daughter and Granddaughter (Her Daughter)?
U.S. citizen petitioners face limitations on sponsoring derivatives of relatives who qualify through them.
Which Family Members Can NOT Accompany the Main Immigrant to U.S. (as Derivatives)
When someone becomes eligible for a U.S. green card, immigration law allows, them, in most cases, to bring spouses and children; but not always. Get the details here.
Filling Out and Submitting Form I-130 for Parents of a U.S. Citizen
A step-by-step guide to completing the visa petition with which a U.S. citizen starts the immigration process for a parent.
Preparing I-130 Petition for the Immigrating Spouse of U.S. Citizen
Line-by-line guidance to filling out USCIS Form I-130.
Filling Out and Submitting Form I-130 for Sibling of a U.S. Citizen
Step-by-step guidance to this important first step in petitioning for a brother or sister to immigrate to the U.S.
Filling Out, Submitting Form I-130 for Unmarried, Minor Child of U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Children's eligibility for immigration, how long they normally must wait, and how to fill out the I-130 visa petition on their behalf.
Filling Out Form I-130 for Son or Daughter (Married or Over 21) of U.S. Citizen
Line-by-line instructions for U.S. citizens preparing the initial visa petition for their adult or married child.
Filling Out Form I-130 for Adult Son or Daughter (Over 21) of U.S. Permanent Resident
How to prepare the paperwork for a green card holder to sponsor an adult child for U.S. immigration.
When Can an I-130 Be Filed With USCIS at the Same Time as a Green Card Application?
Before you mail in Form I-130, find out whether your relative is, if living in the U.S., allowed to also submit the remainder of the green card application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for Family Immigration
Dealing with complications and exceptions when U.S. petitioner proves capacity to support an immigrant in the United States.
How Overseas U.S. Citizen Proves U.S. Domicile for Form I-864 Sponsorship
If you are a U.S. citizen wishing to sponsor your foreign citizen relative for a green card, you may (or may not) need to file – among other things – a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form is intended to create a contract between the U.S. government and you in which you (the sponsor) give
Can More Than One U.S. Family Member Petition for the Same Immigrant?
Having more than one person file a visa petition for an intending immigrant provides a potentially crucial backup plan.
As a U.S. Citizen, Can I Petition for My Daughter and Granddaughter (Her Daughter)?
U.S. citizen petitioners face limitations on sponsoring derivatives of relatives who qualify through them.
Can I Sponsor My Same-Sex Partner for a U.S. Green Card?
Does the process for applying for a green card as part of a same-sex married couple differ from the process for a same-sex couple?