familysponsored

Family-sponsored refers to a category of immigration pathways that allow citizens or lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain relatives for lawful permanent residency (a Green Card). The term covers two main groups: immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, who face no annual visa cap, and family preference categories, which are subject to annual numerical limits and waiting times.

Process: A sponsor files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS to establish a qualifying relationship. After approval, the beneficiary applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or for adjustment of status if already in the United States. Applicants provide evidence of the relationship and an affidavit of support from the sponsor to show financial ability to support the immigrant.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens may sponsor spouses, unmarried children under 21, and both married and unmarried children 21 or older, as well as parents. Lawful permanent residents may sponsor spouses and unmarried children. Each category (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4) has visa numbers, and immediate relatives are not subject to annual caps, while the family preference categories are. Government per-country limits apply, leading to varying processing times among countries and categories.

Impact and limits: The family-sponsored system prioritizes family reunification but can involve long wait times, especially for certain nationalities and higher-preference categories. Processing times and eligibility rules may change with legislation or policy updates.