Sponsoring a family member for immigration is one of the most common paths to legal status. Learn how family-based immigration works.
Expert information to help you understand your rights and options
U.S. citizens and green card holders can petition for certain family members to immigrate. Learn which relationships qualify, the difference between immediate relatives and preference categories, financial sponsorship requirements, and current processing times.
Family preference categories for siblings, adult children, and relatives of green card holders face annual caps creating multi-year waits. Learn how to read the visa bulletin, current wait times by country and category, and what to do while waiting.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens face no annual visa caps and have the shortest wait times. Understand who qualifies as an immediate relative, the petition and adjustment process, and why this category offers the fastest path to a green card.