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Family-Based Immigration
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to reunite with close family members. Citizens may petition for spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Green card holders may sponsor spouses and unmarried children. The process begins with filing Form I-130.
📋Requirements
- •Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- •Documentary proof of family relationship
- •Financial ability of the sponsor (Affidavit of Support I-864)
- •Sponsor income at least 125% of poverty level
- •No immigration violations by beneficiary
📄Required Documents
- •Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- •Birth / marriage certificates
- •Proof of petitioner's citizenship or status
- •Affidavit of Support (I-864) with tax returns
- •Form I-485 (for adjustment of status in the U.S.)
- •Medical examination (I-693)
- •Photos and joint documents (for spouses)
⏱️Processing Times
- •Immediate Relatives (spouse, children under 21, parents): 12-24 months
- •Family Preference 1 (unmarried children of citizens): 1-7 years
- •Family Preference 2A (spouses/children of residents): 2-5 years
- •Family Preference 2B (unmarried children of residents): 5-10 years
- •Family Preference 3 (married children of citizens): 10-15 years
- •Family Preference 4 (siblings of citizens): 15-23 years
💰Costs
- •Form I-130: $535
- •Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440
- •Consular fee (if abroad): $325
- •Affidavit of Support (I-864): free
- •Medical examination: $200 - $500
- •Attorney fees: $2,000 - $8,000
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