Applying for permanent residency for a family member in the USA is a significant milestone in the journey towards building a stable and united family life in this diverse nation. Whether you are a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident, sponsoring a family member for permanent residency involves a detailed process governed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
1. Eligibility and Sponsorship Requirements
Before initiating the application process, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and sponsorship requirements set by USCIS. As a sponsor, you must be either a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident and meet certain financial criteria to demonstrate your ability to support the sponsored family member.
The sponsored family member must also meet specific eligibility criteria, including passing medical examinations and background checks.
2. Required Documentation
Gathering the necessary documentation is a fundamental aspect of the application process. As the sponsor, you will need to provide various documents to support your application, such as proof of identity, proof of relationship with the sponsored family member, financial documentation, and affidavits of support.
Additionally, the sponsored family member will need to submit their application forms, along with supporting documents such as passport copies, birth certificates, and evidence of medical examinations.
3. Application Process and Timeline
The application process for sponsoring a family member for permanent residency in the USA typically involves submitting a petition to USCIS, followed by a visa application process through the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The processing times may vary depending on the type of relationship and the current immigration backlog.
It is essential to monitor the progress of your application and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from USCIS or NVC to avoid delays.
Sponsor your family
To sponsor your family member, submit a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130. Each person you sponsor needs a separate Form I-130. You can submit the form online or by mail.
The process for your relative to immigrate to the U.S. requires that both you, as the sponsor, and your relative, as the visa applicant, complete the necessary steps.
The process is different depending on whether your family member is already in the U.S. or abroad.
- If your family member is in the U.S. – Learn about Adjustment of Status
- If your family member is outside the U.S. – Learn the steps for Consular Processing
Submitting Form I-130 is the first step of the immigration visa process. Learn what other steps are involved, including:
- National Visa Center (NVC) processing
- Fee payments
- Required supporting documents
- Interview preparation
ALERT: On Jan. 30, 2024, USCIS announced a final rule, published in the Federal Register, that adjusts the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees will be effective April 1, 2024.
Applications and petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2024, must include the new fees or USCIS will not accept them.
The new filing fee is effective for filings postmarked April 1, 2024, and later. If you are filing an acceptable prior form edition on or after April 1, 2024, you must include the new filing fee.