Bringing your loved ones to the United States is a meaningful and life-changing process. Through family-based immigration, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor spouses, parents, children, or siblings for permanent residency. While the sponsoring process may seem complicated, having the right guidance can make all the difference. Roberson Law, LLC, an experienced immigration attorney in Overland Park, Kansas, can help ensure that your petition is handled correctly and efficiently.
Who Can You Sponsor for a Green Card?
The U.S. immigration system prioritizes family reunification, but not all family members have the same processing time. Here’s a breakdown of who can be sponsored:
1. Sponsoring a Spouse
- Who Can Apply? U.S. citizens and green card holders can sponsor their foreign-born spouse.
- Processing Time: U.S. citizens’ spouses are classified as immediate relatives, meaning there is no visa cap, and processing is typically faster (12-18 months). Green card holders’ spouses fall under the family preference category, which can take longer.
- Steps Involved:
- File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
- Wait for USCIS approval and visa availability (if applicable).
- Apply for a green card through consular processing or adjustment of status.
2. Sponsoring a Parent
- Who Can Apply? Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can sponsor their parents.
- Processing Time: Immediate relatives, so no visa cap; processing typically takes 12-18 months.
- Steps Involved:
- File Form I-130 for each parent.
- Parents apply for a green card through consular processing (if outside the U.S.) or adjustment of status (if already in the U.S.).
- Attend the visa interview and receive a decision from USCIS.
3. Sponsoring a Child
- Who Can Apply? U.S. citizens can sponsor both minor (under 21, unmarried) and adult children (over 21, married or unmarried). Green card holders can only sponsor unmarried children.
- Processing Time:
- Minor children of U.S. citizens – Immediate relatives (fastest processing).
- Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens or green card holders – Longer wait times due to visa quotas.
- Married children of U.S. citizens – Must wait for visa availability in the family preference category.
- Steps Involved:
- File Form I-130 for each child.
- Wait for visa approval and apply for green card processing.
- Attend the immigration interview and receive approval.
4. Sponsoring a Sibling
- Who Can Apply? Only U.S. citizens over the age of 21 can sponsor a brother or sister.
- Processing Time: One of the longest wait times, often 10-15 years due to visa backlogs.
- Steps Involved:
- File Form I-130 with proof of the sibling relationship.
- Wait for visa availability in the family preference category.
- Once a visa is available, the sibling applies for a green card.
Understanding Family-Based Immigration Categories
U.S. immigration law divides family-based visas into two major categories:
- Immediate Relatives (No Visa Limits)
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children (under 21) of U.S. citizens
- Family Preference Categories (Visa Limits Apply)
- F1: Unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens
- F2A: Spouses and minor children of green card holders
- F2B: Unmarried adult children of green card holders
- F3: Married children of U.S. citizens
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens
Common Challenges in the Sponsorship Process
Family-based immigration can be complicated and time-consuming. Some common issues include:
✔️ Long wait times for family preference visas
✔️ Proving a legitimate family relationship
✔️ Public charge concerns (financial sponsorship requirements)
✔️ Errors in applications leading to delays or denials
Need help with your sponsorship case? Contact Roberson Law, LLC today for professional assistance.
Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer
The U.S. immigration system is complex, and mistakes can delay or even deny your loved one’s green card. Roberson Law, LLC, based in Overland Park, Kansas, has years of experience guiding families through the immigration process. Their legal team can:
✅ Help determine the best visa category for your family
✅ Ensure all forms and supporting documents are correctly filed
✅ Assist with any USCIS requests for evidence (RFEs) or appeals
✅ Advocate for you during visa interviews and consular processing
Start Your Sponsorship Process Today
Bringing your loved ones to the U.S. is possible, but the process requires patience, preparation, and legal expertise. If you need help filing a family-based visa petition, contact Roberson Law, LLC for expert guidance. Their team will work with you every step of the way to reunite your family in the United States.
Image courtesy of Canva
