Immigrating to the United States is a life-changing decision for many individuals. Whether an immigrant is seeking better opportunities, reuniting with family or escaping difficult circumstances, obtaining a green card is a big achievement in many people’s immigration journeys.
A green card, or lawful permanent resident status, allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States permanently. If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you may be able to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the U.S. The process, however, depends on your relationship with the family member and your immigration status.
Who can you sponsor as a green card holder?
As a lawful permanent resident (LPR), your capacity to sponsor family members for a green card is more limited than that of a U.S. citizen. The family members you can sponsor include your spouse and any unmarried sons or daughters. This means that you can help bring your immediate family to the U.S., but not your parents, siblings or married children.
When you petition for a family member to join you in the U.S., you must file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on their behalf. This form establishes your family relationship and initiates the immigration process. After the petition is approved, your family member may need to wait for a visa to become available in their specific preference category, which can take some time. Processing times may vary based on factors such as the number of applicants and the specific relationship.
How long does the process take?
One of the major challenges for green card holders trying to sponsor family members is the length of the waiting period. Because the demand for family-sponsored green cards often exceeds the available supply, there are long waiting lists, especially for individuals from certain countries. The process for bringing family members to the U.S. may take several years, depending on the type of relationship and the applicant’s country of origin.
If you are a green card holder and are looking to bring your loved ones to the U.S., it is important to seek legal guidance. Navigating the family-based immigration process can be complicated, and legal support can help ensure that your family member’s petition is properly filed and that they have a better chance of joining you in the United States.