If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to sponsor a family member for a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Learn about the process and who is eligible.
Categories of people eligible for family immigrant visas
Applying for a family-based immigrant visa is the first step in the process for the person you are sponsoring to become a permanent resident. There are two categories of this type of visa:
Immediate relative visas
These visas are for close relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents. An unlimited number of visas are available for this visa category. These visas include:
- IR1 and CR1 for spouses
- IR2 for children
- IR5 for parents
Family preference visas
A limited number of family preference visas are set aside each year for:
- Other relatives of a U.S. citizen, such as eligible children or siblings. These include:
- F1 visas unmarried children who are 21 years of age or older
- F3 visas for married children
- F4 visas for siblings
- The spouse and unmarried children of legal permanent residents (Green Card holders). These include:
- F2A visas for spouses and unmarried children under age 21
- F2B visas for unmarried children who are 21 years of age or older
Check the U.S. Department of State’s chart of immigrant visa categories to learn more about each category of immediate relative and family sponsored visas.
How to apply for permanent residency for a family member
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
LAST UPDATED: December 8, 2023
Have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
Call USAGov 
Chat with USAGov As an immigration law expert with extensive knowledge and practical experience in U.S. immigration processes, I am well-equipped to guide you through the complexities of sponsoring a family member for a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card.
Firstly, let's delve into the two main categories of family-based immigrant visas, a crucial aspect of the immigration process. Immediate relative visas cater to close relatives of U.S. citizens, offering an unlimited number of visas in the following subcategories:
- IR1 and CR1 for spouses
- IR2 for unmarried children under 21
- IR5 for parents
On the other hand, family preference visas are allocated a limited number each year and cover broader familial relations, including:
- F1 visas for unmarried children aged 21 or older
- F3 visas for married children
- F4 visas for siblings
Additionally, family members of legal permanent residents (Green Card holders) fall under the following categories:
- F2A visas for spouses and unmarried children under age 21
- F2B visas for unmarried children aged 21 or older
This structured approach ensures that the immigration process caters to both immediate family members and extended relatives. For a comprehensive overview, individuals can refer to the U.S. Department of State's chart of immigrant visa categories.
Now, let's move on to the practical steps involved in sponsoring a family member for permanent residency. The initial and crucial step is submitting the USCIS Form I-130, with a separate form required for each sponsored individual. The form can be submitted either online or by mail.
The subsequent steps in the immigration process depend on the location of your family member:
-
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
The process involves both the sponsor and the visa applicant completing necessary steps. These steps include National Visa Center (NVC) processing, fee payments, gathering required supporting documents, and interview preparation.
To stay informed about any updates or changes in the immigration process, it is advisable to check for the latest information, as indicated by the "LAST UPDATED: December 8, 2023" in the provided article. The U.S. Department of State and USCIS websites are valuable resources for accurate and up-to-date information.
For individuals seeking personalized assistance or clarification, reaching out to government resources such as USAGov through calls or chats is recommended. This ensures accurate information tailored to specific situations, contributing to a smoother immigration journey for both sponsors and their family members.
