Sponsor Your Family for a Green Card
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for immigration. Learn about eligibility, wait times, and the application process.
Check Your EligibilityImmediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
These family members have unlimited visas available and no wait time
Spouse
Petitioner: U.S. Citizen
Fastest family category
Unmarried Child Under 21
Petitioner: U.S. Citizen
Child must remain unmarried
Parent
Petitioner: U.S. Citizen (21+)
Petitioner must be 21 or older
Family Preference Categories
These categories have annual visa limits, which creates wait times
| Category | Relationship | Petitioner | Est. Wait Time | Visas/Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried Adult Child | U.S. Citizen | 7-10 years | 23,400 |
| F2A | Spouse/Child Under 21 | Permanent Resident | 2-5 years | 87,934 |
| F2B | Unmarried Child 21+ | Permanent Resident | 6-12 years | 26,266 |
| F3 | Married Adult Child | U.S. Citizen | 13-15 years | 23,400 |
| F4 | Sibling | U.S. Citizen (21+) | 14-23 years | 65,000 |
Wait Times Vary by Country
Citizens of Mexico, Philippines, India, and China often face longer waits due to per-country limits. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin for current priority dates.
The Family Immigration Process
File Form I-130
Petitioner files the immigrant petition to establish the family relationship
Wait for Priority Date
For preference categories, wait until your priority date becomes current
File for Green Card
Apply through adjustment of status (I-485) or consular processing (DS-260)
Attend Interview
Complete the interview at USCIS or the U.S. embassy/consulate
Receive Green Card
Upon approval, receive permanent resident status
Key Immigration Forms
Forms you'll need for family-based immigration
Ready to Sponsor Your Family?
SureCitizen helps you understand your options, gather documents, and prepare your family petition.
Start Your Family Petition