Family-based green cards allow foreign nationals to become United States lawful permanent residents (LPRs) based on their relationships with U.S. citizens or current green card holders. Federal immigration laws prioritize family unity, allowing citizens and LPRs in the U.S. to sponsor qualifying family members.
The sponsor must meet the requirements and apply for approval through the federal government. Contact Godoy Law Office to speak to an experienced Elgin family-based green card lawyer for help with your case. Our compassionate family immigration attorneys could support you through this exciting yet stressful process.
The federal government grants family-based green card approval based on applicants’ relationships with U.S citizens or LPRs. The requirements depend on which status the sponsor holds.
The list of eligible relatives LPRs may sponsor is limited to spouses and unmarried children. Natural-born or naturalized U.S. citizens may sponsor the following:
During the consultation, an Elgin attorney familiar with family-based green card applications could review the details and answer specific questions regarding the process and eligibility.
The categories of family-based green cards are based on the applicants’ relationships with citizens and LPRs. The federal government limits the number of visas available for each category, and the waiting times depend on priority and the country where the immigrant resides. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, commonly called the USCIS, defines the family preference categories, which include:
The annual limit for the first group is approximately 23,400. The petitioner seeking sponsorship must be a U.S. citizen. The beneficiary must be a son or daughter who is unmarried and 21 years of age or older, and the sponsor may include the minor children of his or her son or daughter on the application as derivative beneficiaries.
The next group includes those eligible under green card holder sponsorship.
Under this category, the U.S. government awards approximately 114,200 visas annually. The petitioner must be an LPR sponsoring his or her spouse or unmarried children under 21 years old. F2B pertains to married sons and daughters.
The federal government awards approximately 23,400 visas under the F3 category. Those eligible for sponsorship include married children of any age. The annual limit and number of applicants result in longer waiting times.
The last F4 category is for U.S. citizens, natural-born or naturalized, who are at least 21 years of age, and the federal government grants approximately 65,000 visas yearly. The petitioner may apply for sponsorship for siblings and their spouses. This last group generally faces the longest waiting periods. A family-based green card lawyer in Elgin could assist during each step of the process and handle communications on the applicant’s behalf.
Starting the family-based sponsorship process to bring your loved ones to America is exciting. However, the process of collecting documents, completing each step, and waiting can often be frustrating and overwhelming.
Our Elgin family-based green card lawyer understands the process and the stresses applicants face. An attorney could guide you, providing legal advice and support throughout the process. Call our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about sponsoring a relative currently living abroad.
