When someone has a “green card,” this means that they hold the status of lawful permanent resident. This allows them to live and work permanently in the United States. One way to become a permanent resident is to acquire it through a family member.

If the sponsor is a lawful permanent resident, they may petition for the following relatives to immigrate to the U.S.:
• Husband or wife, or
• Unmarried son or daughter of any age.
In any case, the sponsor must be able to provide proof of the relationship.

Preference Categories

People who want to become immigrants are classified into categories based on a preference system. The immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, which includes parents, spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21, do not have to wait for an immigrant visa number to become available once the visa petition filed for them is approved by USCIS. An immigrant visa number will become immediately available. The relatives in the remaining categories must wait for an immigrant visa number to become available according to the following preferences:
• First preference: Unmarried, adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. Adult means 21 years of age or older.
• Second Preference: Spouses of lawful permanent residents, their unmarried children (under twenty-one), and the unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents.
• Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens.
• Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. Citizens.

We have helped countless families reunite in the United States through immigration. If you would like more information, please contact our office.