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Obtaining a Green Card through Family Member

The process and time required to obtain a Green Card through family sponsorship vary depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant.

You do not need to visit our office in person to process your family immigration case. It can be done remotely.

A. "Immediate Relative" Family Immigration

  • Sponsor's Eligibility: U.S. citizen aged 21 or older

  • Eligible Applicants: The sponsor's spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 years of age

  • The process differs if the applicant resides inside or outside the U.S.

    • If residing in the U.S., the applicant can apply for a Green Card through USCIS. Even those who have lost their lawful status can obtain a Green Card (except those who entered the U.S. illegally).

    • The processing time as of 2024 is typically 6 to 18 months.*

    • If residing outside the U.S., the applicant applies for a Green Card through USCIS and will have an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country approximately one year later.

    • The processing time as of 2024 is typically 12 to 20 months.*

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If you provide some basic information about your family case (any type), we can let you know the process and costs.

   ▶▶▶ Inquire about your family green card case

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B. Family Immigration First Preference A (F1)

  • Sponsor's Eligibility: U.S. citizen aged 21 or older

  • Eligible Applicants: The sponsor's unmarried child aged 21 or older

  • The processing time as of 2024 is typically 7 to 8 years.*

C. Family Immigration Second Preference (F2A)

  • Sponsor's Eligibility: U.S. permanent resident aged 21 or older

  • Eligible Applicants: The sponsor's spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age

  • The processing time as of 2024 is typically 3 to 4 years.*

  • When the priority date becomes current, both the applicant and their unmarried children under 21 years of age can receive Green Cards.

D. Family Immigration Second Preference (F2B)

  • Sponsor's Eligibility: U.S. permanent resident aged 21 or older

  • Eligible Applicants: The sponsor's unmarried child aged 21 or older

  • The processing time as of 2024 is typically 7 years.*

  • When the priority date becomes current, both the applicant and their unmarried children under 21 years of age can receive Green Cards.

E. Family Immigration Third Preference (F3)

  • Eligible Applicants: Married children of U.S. citizens

  • The processing time as of 2024 is typically 14 years.*

  • When the priority date becomes current, the applicant, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21 years of age can receive Green Cards.

F. Family Immigration Fourth Preference (F4)

  • Eligible Applicants: Siblings of U.S. citizens aged 21 or older

  • The processing time as of 2024 is typically 16 years.*

  • When the priority date becomes current, the applicant, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21 years of age can receive Green Cards.

(*Processing times may be longer or shorter.)

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