Family Green Card

Bringing your family to the United States can be a life-changing experience. The Family Green Card (also known as the Family-Based Immigrant Visa) provides a pathway for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to reunite with their loved ones. At American Visa Hub, we specialize in helping families navigate the complex family-based immigration process, ensuring that your journey to a family reunion in the U.S. is as smooth and efficient as possible.

What is a Family Green Card?

A Family Green Card allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain relatives for permanent residency in the United States. The family-based immigration process is one of the most common routes to obtaining a green card.

There are two main categories for family-based green cards:

1. Immediate Relative Green Cards – For close family members of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.

2. Family Preference Green Cards – For other family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, such as adult children, siblings, and spouses or children of lawful permanent residents.

Who Can Apply for a Family Green Card?

To apply for a Family Green Card, you must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who is sponsoring a qualified family member.

The following family members may be eligible for a Family Green Card:

1. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens

• Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens

• Parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21 years or older)

These individuals are eligible for immediate processing, and there are no annual caps or waiting periods for immediate relatives, making it one of the fastest family-based immigration categories.

2. Family Preference Relatives:

• Unmarried children over 21 of U.S. citizens

• Married children of U.S. citizens

• Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21 or older)

• Spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents (green card holders)

Unlike immediate relatives, family preference categories are subject to annual limits on the number of visas issued, which may result in longer wait times.

Family Green Card Eligibility Requirements

For a successful family-based green card application, certain eligibility criteria must be met. The applicant must prove that they are a qualifying family member and that the sponsor (the U.S. citizen or green card holder) meets the following requirements:

1. The Sponsor’s Status:

The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. They must be able to prove their relationship with the applicant and their ability to support the applicant financially.

2. Proof of Relationship:

The applicant must provide documentary evidence proving their relationship to the sponsor, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other legal documentation.

3. Affidavit of Support:

The sponsor must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate they can financially support the family member once they arrive in the U.S. The sponsor must meet specific income requirements to ensure the applicant will not become a public charge.

4. Medical and Background Checks:

The applicant must undergo a medical examination and provide a police certificate or other evidence to prove they do not have a criminal history that would disqualify them.

5. Admissibility to the U.S.:

The applicant must meet U.S. immigration law requirements and be admissible to the U.S. If there are any issues related to criminal history, immigration violations, or health, these must be addressed as part of the application process.

The Family Green Card Process

At American Visa Hub, we provide expert assistance to guide you through each step of the family-based green card process. The steps typically involve:

Step 1: Determine the Family Category

The first step is determining the appropriate family-based category for your relative. This depends on your relationship to the family member and your status as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Step 2: File the Petition

For most family-based green card applications, the process begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the relationship between the sponsor (the U.S. citizen or permanent resident) and the applicant (the family member seeking the green card).

Step 3: Wait for Petition Approval

Once Form I-130 is submitted, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review the petition. If the petition is approved, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing, unless the applicant is already in the U.S. and eligible for Adjustment of Status.

Step 4: Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates

For family preference categories (not immediate relatives), the next step involves waiting for the visa priority date to become current. The U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, which lists the current wait times for family preference visas. Immediate relatives do not have to wait for a visa number to become available.

Step 5: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

• Consular Processing: If the family member is outside the U.S., they will apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country. This step includes an interview with a consular officer to determine eligibility for a visa.

• Adjustment of Status: If the applicant is already in the U.S., they may be eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This process allows the applicant to adjust their status from a non-immigrant visa to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

Step 6: Green Card Approval

Once all steps are completed and approved, the applicant will either receive their Green Card in the mail (if adjusting status in the U.S.) or an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident (if processing through consular processing).

Why Choose American Visa Hub for Your Family Green Card?

The Family Green Card process can be intricate, but American Visa Hub is here to help every step of the way. We offer comprehensive services designed to make the process as smooth as possible:

1. Eligibility Assessment:

We will assess your eligibility and help you determine the best path forward for you and your family members.

2. Form Preparation and Filing:

Our team will guide you through the paperwork, ensuring all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time, minimizing the chance of delays.

3. Document Collection and Organization:

We assist in gathering the required documentation, such as proof of relationship, financial support, and medical exams, so that your case is complete and ready for approval.

4. Expert Guidance Throughout the Process:

We provide expert advice and support, answering any questions and ensuring you are prepared for each stage of the process, from petition filing to visa interviews.

5. Speed and Efficiency:

With our experience and understanding of the U.S. immigration system, we help expedite the process, keeping your application on track and moving forward smoothly.

Key Benefits of the Family Green Card

1. Permanent Residency: The family member becomes a lawful permanent resident of the United States, granting the ability to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
2. Pathway to U.S. Citizenship: After holding a green card for 5 years, the permanent resident can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
3. Family Reunification: A green card allows families to be reunited and live together in the U.S., strengthening the bonds between loved ones.
4. Eligibility for Benefits: Green card holders are eligible for a variety of benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Conclusion

A Family Green Card offers a valuable opportunity to bring your loved ones to the United States and build a future together. American Visa Hub is committed to providing personalized, professional immigration services to help you navigate the family-based immigration process. Our experienced team will ensure your application is complete, accurate, and processed as efficiently as possible.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in bringing your family to the U.S. through the Family Green Card process and help you achieve your immigration goals.