Through U.S. relatives
Family-Based Green Card
If you have a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder, they can file an I-130 petition for family reunification. Timing depends on the relationship: spouses and parents of U.S. citizens have no wait; others wait years.
Key facts
Duration
Permanent residence (green card)
Cost
$675 I-130 + $1,440 I-485 (or $325 DS-260) + $220 USCIS Immigrant Fee + medical exam
Processing time
Immediate Relatives: 12–18 months. Preference categories: 2 to 20+ years depending on country
Path to green card
This IS the green card — permanent residence right away
Who this is for
- •Spouse of a U.S. citizen (Immediate Relative — no queue).
- •Unmarried children of a U.S. citizen under 21 (no queue).
- •Parents of a U.S. citizen over 21 (no queue).
- •Spouses and children of green card holders (F2A — 1–3 year queue).
- •Siblings/adult children of U.S. citizens (long queues — 5–20+ years).
Who this is NOT for
- •No qualifying relative in the U.S.
- •Petitioner is a U.S. citizen but under 21 (for parents), or unwilling to file I-864 affidavit of support.
- •Only distant relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins — do not qualify).
Step-by-step process
- 1
File I-130
U.S. relative files the petition with USCIS, attaching proof of relationship.
- 2
I-130 approval
USCIS confirms the relationship is bona fide. Takes 6–18 months.
- 3
Wait for Priority Date (if applicable)
For preference categories, you wait your turn per the Visa Bulletin.
- 4
File I-485 or DS-260
If in the U.S. — adjustment of status (I-485). Abroad — consular processing (DS-260).
- 5
Biometrics and interview
Submit biometrics, complete medical exam, attend interview with USCIS officer or at the consulate.
- 6
Receive green card
After approval, USCIS mails the green card (conditional 2-year card for marriages under 2 years).
Required documents
- ›I-130 from the U.S. relative
- ›Proof of petitioner's citizenship/green card
- ›Marriage certificate (for spouses) + evidence the marriage is bona fide
- ›Birth certificates (for children and parents)
- ›I-864 Affidavit of Support from sponsor
- ›Sponsor's tax returns for 3 years
- ›Medical exam
- ›Police clearances
Common mistakes
- ⚠Sham marriage for a green card — fraud is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- ⚠Sponsor below 125% of the poverty line — need a co-sponsor.
- ⚠Missing the deadline to remove conditions on a 2-year green card (Form I-751, 90 days before expiry).
- ⚠Not keeping evidence of shared life (bills, photos, lease) — asked at the interview.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a marriage-based green card take?+
With a U.S. citizen — 12–18 months. With a green card holder — 2–3 years due to F2A category quotas.
Can I work while waiting for the green card?+
If you filed I-485 in the U.S., you can file I-765 for an EAD (work permit). EAD typically arrives in 3–6 months.
Important: This page is a general overview, not legal advice. U.S. immigration law is complex and changes often. Consult a licensed attorney before filing.
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