Many U.S. citizens and green card holders want to bring their family members to live happily together in the United States. The U.S. immigration system supports family-based immigration, making this possible, and thousands of families are reunited each year. This guide explains the options, who can apply, and the steps to complete the process.
What is the Family-Based Green Card?
A family-based green card is an immigration pathway that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor their eligible non-citizen family members for permanent residency in the United States. It provides major benefits, including legal status, work authorization, and a path to U.S. citizenship. Check the benefits that green card holders receive.
Types of Family-Based Immigration Categories
Family-based immigration falls into two main groups: immediate relatives and family preference categories.
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
Immediate relatives enjoy the fastest and most flexible path. There is no annual cap on visas for these relationships, which means they don’t have to wait for a visa number to become available. Immediate relatives include:
- Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (IR1/CR1) – Married to a U.S. citizen? You may qualify for a marriage-based green card that allows you to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
- Children of U.S. Citizens (IR2/CR2)—Unmarried children under 21 can be sponsored by their U.S. citizen parents for a green card. This helps children join their families and start a new life in the U.S. For a better understanding, check out the green card process for children.
- Parents of U.S. Citizens (IR5)—U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can bring their parents to the U.S. to be together as a family. Learn more about the parents’ green card process.
Because there are no numerical limits, these cases typically move more quickly once paperwork is properly filed.
Family Preference Categories
Other family members fall into preference categories, which do have yearly limits. This means wait times can be long — sometimes many years, depending on the country of origin and visa demand.
The family preference groups are:
- First Preference F1: Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens – If you are 21 or older and unmarried, your U.S. citizen parent can sponsor you for a green card.
- Second Preference F2A: Spouses and Minor Children of Green Card Holders – Green card holders can petition for their husband or wife and unmarried children under 21.
- Second Preference F2B: Unmarried Adult Children of Green Card Holders – Lawful permanent residents can also apply for their unmarried children who are 21 or older.
- Third Preference F3: Married Children of U.S. Citizens – U.S. citizens can sponsor their sons or daughters who are married.
- Fourth Preference F4: Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens – U.S. citizens age 21 or older can sponsor their siblings for a green card. Learn about the green card process to bring your siblings.
The U.S. government sets limits on how many visas are issued each year in each category, which creates backlogs. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the Department of State, shows which categories and countries are currently eligible. Want to understand yearly green card caps? Our Visa Bulletin guide explains it clearly.
Immediate Relatives vs. Family Preference Categories
| Feature | Immediate Relatives | Family Preference Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Sponsor | Only U.S. citizens | U.S. citizens and Green Card holders (LPRs) |
| Eligible Family Members | Spouse, unmarried children under 21, parents | Adult children (married or unmarried), siblings of U.S. citizens, spouses and unmarried children of LPRs |
| Visa Availability | Always available (no annual limits) | Limited – subject to annual caps |
| Processing Time | Faster | Longer (can take several years) |
| Main Advantage | Shorter wait time and guaranteed visa availability | Broader sponsorship options (includes LPRs) |
The Family-Based Immigration Requirements/Eligibility
To bring family members to the U.S., a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must meet certain requirements.
1. Sponsor (U.S. citizen or green card holder) must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Show enough income or assets to support the family member (using Form I-864, Affidavit of Support).
- Not have certain criminal convictions that prevent sponsorship.
2. Family Member (non-citizen) must:
- Be an eligible relative (like spouse, child, parent, or other qualifying family member).
- Complete a medical exam and get required vaccinations.
- Not have certain criminal records or immigration problems that make them ineligible.
3. Proof of Relationship:
- Provide documents that show your family connection, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers.
The Family-Based Green Card Process
The family-based immigration process varies based on the type of family relationship, where the family member lives, and the visa category they are applying for. Follow the steps below to bring your loved ones to the U.S. successfully.
Step #1: File an Immigrant Visa Petition
The first and foremost step is that the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (petitioner) must complete and file Form I-130, also called the Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. This form demonstrates the qualifying relationship between you and family members. Submit
- Proof of citizenship or green card holder
- Relationship evidence (birth or marriage certificates)
- Filing Fee
Learn more about an I-130 petition on alien relative from our guide.
Step #2: Wait for USCIS Approval
After USCIS receives your form, they review and approve it. Form I-130 processing time varies based on the family relationship and USCIS workload.
Step #3: Wait for a Visa Number
After USCIS approves the petition, immediate relatives can start applying for a green card because visas are always available for them. Members in the family preference category need to wait until their priority date is current, which is shown on the Visa Bulletin.
Step #4: Apply for a Green Card
The next step is to apply for a green card. At this stage, there are two possible paths depending on the beneficiary’s location.
- Consular Processing: If the beneficiary is outside the United States. Explore more about consular processing filing.
- Adjustment of Status: If the beneficiary is in the United States. Explore more on the Adjustment of Status filing.
Consular Processing
Once USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC checks the petition and gets it ready for consular processing. The petitioner and beneficiary will be notified when the petition is received, when a visa number is available, and when to submit fees and documents. Submit:
- Complete Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application)
- Visa Application Fees
- Financial supporting documents
- Civil documents
Adjustment of Status Processing
The beneficiary must file Form I-485 to adjust their status once Form I-130 has been approved. The petitioner can file Form I-485 along with the I-130. In addition to this form submit:
- Proof of relationship
- Proof of current immigration status
- proof of identity
- Fees
Step #5: Attend the Interview
During the interview, an officer will ask questions mainly about whether the relationship is genuine. If the beneficiary is abroad will attend the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. If the beneficiary is in the U.S. will attend the interview at the USCIS field office. Have:
- Medical examination report (Form I-693) by a USCIS-approved doctor
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to show they can support the immigrant at 125% of the federal poverty level.
- Appointment letter and confirmation page for Form DS-260
Learn more about what to expect at the green card interview and review sample green card interview questions to help you prepare.
Step #6: Received Your Green Card
Once the officer approves your petition,
- If consular processing, the immigrant enters the U.S. with an immigrant visa, pays the USCIS immigrant fee, and later receives the physical green card.
- If adjusting status in the U.S., the applicant receives the green card in the mail after approval.
Documents Required for Family-Based Immigration
A successful case requires strong documentation. While requirements vary, common evidence includes:
Petitioner Documents
- Proof of citizenship or green card (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card copy)
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates, adoption documents)
Beneficiary Documents
Different family relationships require specific documents to prove they are genuine:
- Spouses: Marriage certificate, proof that any previous marriages ended, and evidence of a real marriage (like joint leases, photos together, shared bank accounts, or letters from friends and family).
- Parents: Your birth certificate showing the parent-child relationship. If you’re a U.S. citizen filing for a parent, the birth certificate must list them as your parent.
- Children: Birth certificate with both parents’ names. If needed, proof of legal custody.
- Siblings: Birth certificates of both the sponsor and sibling showing at least one shared parent.
- Adopted children or parents: Final adoption decree plus proof of legal custody for at least two years.
- Step-relationships: Proof that the parent’s marriage took place before the child turned 18.
Financial Evidence
- Tax returns and W-2s from the sponsor
- Proof of current employment or income
- Bank statements or assets (if income is insufficient)
Civil Documents
In addition to proof of family relationship, you’ll need to provide:
- Police certificates – from every country where you’ve lived for 6 months or more since age 16.
- Court and prison records – if you have a criminal history (even if pardoned).
- Marriage or divorce/annulment papers – if applicable.
- Military records – if you have served.
If a document is difficult or impossible to obtain, you must provide:
- A written statement from the issuing authority confirming the document does not exist, and
- Secondary evidence, such as baptismal certificates, school records, or affidavits from relatives.
Cost of Applying for a Family-Based Green Card
The total cost of a family-based green card depends on where your relative is applying from (inside the U.S. vs. abroad) and which forms are required. Below is a breakdown of the main government filing fees as of 2025:
1. If applying from inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status – Form I-485):
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $675 Paper filing, $625 Online Filing
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence): $1,440 (for most applicants)
Note: Additional Fee: If you file with, or your Form I-485 is adjudicated by, the Immigration Court (Pub. L. 119-21) $1,500
2. If applying from outside the U.S. (Consular Processing):
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $675 Paper filing, $625 Online Filing
- National Visa Center (NVC) Processing fees: $325 (visa application) + $120 (affidavit of support)
- Immigrant visa medical exam: Varies ($200–$500 depending on country and provider)
3. Other potential costs:
- Medical exam (Form I-693): $200–$500 in the U.S.
- Translation services (if needed): Varies
Tip: Fees change over time, so always double-check the latest costs on the USCIS Fee Schedule before applying. Understand more about USCIS filing fees from our comprehensive guide.
Processing Times and Visa Availability
How long does the process take? The answer depends on the type of case.
- Immediate relatives: No visa backlog, so the timeline depends mostly on USCIS processing. Many cases take 12–18 months, though this varies.
- Family preference categories: Processing can take several years, and in some cases, more than a decade. Applicants should check the Visa Bulletin monthly to track progress.
Family-Based Immigration Categories (With Processing Times)
| Category | Who Qualifies | Visa Type | Sponsor Requirement | Typical Processing Time* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouses of U.S. Citizens | Husband or wife of a U.S. citizen | IR1 / CR1 | U.S. citizen spouse | 12–18 months |
| Children of U.S. Citizens | Unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen | IR2 / CR2 | U.S. citizen parent | 12–18 months |
| Parents of U.S. Citizens | Parents of a U.S. citizen (if the citizen is 21+) | IR5 | U.S. citizen child (21+) | 12–18 months |
| First Preference (F1) | Unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens | F1 | U.S. citizen parent | 7+ years |
| Second Preference (F2A) | Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders | F2A | Lawful permanent resident | 2–3 years |
| Second Preference (F2B) | Unmarried adult children (21+) of green card holders | F2B | Lawful permanent resident | 8+ years |
| Third Preference (F3) | Married children of U.S. citizens | F3 | U.S. citizen parent | 13+ years |
| Fourth Preference (F4) | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (sponsor must be 21+) | F4 | U.S. citizen sibling (21+) | 15+ years |
Learn about green card processing times, what affects them, and how they are calculated.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Long Wait Times
Preference category applicants often face frustratingly long waits. Unfortunately, there’s no way to speed this up, but staying informed through the Visa Bulletin helps families plan.
Public Charge Concerns
Sponsors must prove they can financially support the immigrant. If the petitioner’s income is too low, a joint sponsor may file an additional Form I-864.
Conditional Green Cards
If the marriage is less than two years old when approved, the immigrant receives a two-year conditional green card. The couple must file Form I-751 together within the 90 days before it expires to remove conditions.
Inadmissibility Issues
Some immigrants are “inadmissible” due to unlawful presence, criminal history, or prior immigration violations. In these cases, a waiver such as Form I-601 or I-601A may be required.
Children Aging Out
Children turning 21 can “age out” and lose eligibility, but the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may allow them to stay in the same category. Recent updates to USCIS policy affect how this is calculated, so families should pay close attention if a child is nearing 21.
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved, the immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident. The green card typically arrives by mail within a few weeks.
With permanent resident status, they can:
- Live and work anywhere in the U.S.
- Travel internationally (with some restrictions)
- Apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements (generally 3 years for spouses of U.S. citizens, 5 years for others)
FAQs on Family-Based Green Cards
1. Who can sponsor a relative for a green card?
U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Green card holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.
2. Can my spouse work while waiting for a green card?
Yes. If filing adjustment of status, your spouse can apply for a work permit (Form I-765) and usually start working after approval.
3. What if the beneficiary overstayed a visa?
An overstay of more than 180 days can trigger bars to reentry if the beneficiary leaves the U.S. However, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) are generally exempt from these penalties and may still adjust status inside the U.S. For other family-based categories, an overstay can complicate the case, and the applicant may need a waiver before moving forward.
