Migration Overseas
Reunite with your family in America. US citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for Green Cards. The most common pathway to US permanent residency.
Immediate relatives receive Green Cards without annual limits or waiting periods. This is the fastest family-based pathway, typically taking 1-2 years to complete.
Married to US citizen, including same-sex marriages
Parent of US citizen who is 21 years or older
Unmarried children under 21 of US citizens
Family members who don't qualify as immediate relatives fall into preference categories with annual limits.
For unmarried adult children (21 years and older) of US citizens.
For spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents (Green Card holders).
For unmarried adult children (21 years and older) of permanent residents.
For married adult children (any age) of US citizens.
For siblings (brothers and sisters) of adult US citizens (21 years and older).
Approximate processing times for Indian nationals (2024)
| Category | Relationship | Sponsor | India Wait | ROW Wait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Relative | Spouse, Parent, Child under 21 | US Citizen | 1-2 Years (no backlog) | 1-2 Years |
| F1 | Unmarried Adult Children | US Citizen | ~23 Years | 7-8 Years |
| F2A | Spouse & Children Under 21 | GC Holder | ~3 Years | 2-3 Years |
| F2B | Unmarried Adult Children | GC Holder | ~10 Years | 6-7 Years |
| F3 | Married Adult Children | US Citizen | ~15 Years | 12-13 Years |
| F4 | Siblings | US Citizen | ~24 Years | 15-16 Years |
How to sponsor a family member for a Green Card.
US citizen or permanent resident files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS to establish the family relationship.
6-24 months processingFor preference categories, wait until your priority date becomes current. Immediate relatives can proceed immediately after I-130 approval.
Varies (months to years)Sponsor files Form I-864 Affidavit of Support proving financial ability to support the immigrant (125% of poverty guidelines).
With applicationFile I-485 to adjust status (if in US) or attend immigrant visa interview at US consulate abroad.
8-18 monthsUpon approval, receive Green Card. Conditional Green Card (2 years) issued if married to sponsor less than 2 years.
Card valid 10 yearsGet expert guidance on sponsoring your loved ones for US permanent residency. We'll help you navigate the complex family immigration process.
Book Free ConsultationFind answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
US citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Green Card holders (LPRs) can sponsor spouses and unmarried children only.
Immediate relatives of US citizens include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents (if citizen is over 21). These categories have no annual cap and generally process faster.
Immediate relatives: 1-2 years. Spouse/children of LPR: 2-3 years. Married adult children of citizens: 10-15 years. Siblings of citizens: 15-25 years depending on country.
Sponsors must file I-864 proving income at 125% of federal poverty guidelines or have assets to support. This is a legally binding commitment to financially support the immigrant.
Only US citizens (21 or older) can sponsor parents. Green Card holders cannot sponsor parents. Parents are considered immediate relatives with no waiting period.
Required documents include marriage certificate, evidence of bona fide marriage (photos, joint accounts, lease), birth certificates, financial documents, and medical examination results.
USCIS conducts interviews to verify marriage authenticity. Officers may interview couples separately and ask detailed questions about their relationship, daily life, and how they met.
US citizens can bring fiancés on K-1 visa. After arrival, you must marry within 90 days. The fiancé then applies for Green Card through adjustment of status.
Spouses married less than 2 years at Green Card approval receive conditional status for 2 years. Before expiration, couples must jointly file I-751 to remove conditions.
Yes, legally adopted children can be sponsored if the adoption was finalized before the child turned 16 (or 18 if sibling of another adopted child). Orphan and Hague adoptions have specific requirements.
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