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Many U.S. citizens have family members living in foreign countries who wish to be reunited. Citizens can sponsor certain family members to become permanent residents, which allows them to remain in the U.S. indefinitely, receive a green card, and have an eventual path to citizenship themselves. If you want to discuss your specific situation, you should contact an immigration lawyer in Orange County. The following is some basic information about sponsoring family members for green cards.

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Qualified Family Members

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As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor immediate family members, including:

• Parents
• Spouses
• Unmarried children under age 21

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You also may be able to sponsor other close family members, though with lesser preference, meaning they will likely have to wait longer:

• Unmarried children over age 21
• Married children
• Siblings

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Requirements

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First, each family member must have a qualified financial sponsor in the U.S. This helps ensure that they will not become a public charge according to immigration law. If you do not meet the qualifications to financially sponsor all intended family members, you may seek joint sponsors.

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You must then fill out the necessary forms completely and accurately, provide supporting evidence of the information in the application and of your citizenship, and pay the necessary fees. You will need to file a separate application form for each family members, including each minor child. Note that USCIS does not accept all petitions, so you should seek help with the application process from a qualified immigration attorney. If accepted, your relative will be in line for a visa, and may later be able to apply for an adjustment of status to get a green card.

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