Family Immigration
Fiancé visas, sponsoring relatives, marriage-based green cards, and the I-130 process.
Family-based immigration is one of the primary ways people become permanent residents of the United States.
Who Can Sponsor Whom?
U.S. Citizens Can Petition For:
- Spouse (Husband/Wife)
- Children (Unmarried and under 21)
- Sons and Daughters (Married or over 21)
- Parents (If citizen is 21+)
- Siblings (If citizen is 21+)
- Fiancé(e) (K-1 Visa)
Green Card Holders Can Petition For:
- Spouse (Husband/Wife)
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried sons and daughters (any age)
Marriage-Based Green Cards
Concurrent Filing (Inside U.S.)
If the spouse entered legally, they may file Form I-130 and I-485 together to adjust status without leaving.
Consular Processing (Outside U.S.)
File I-130 first. Once approved and NVC processes it, the spouse interviews at a U.S. embassy abroad.
K-1 Fiancé Visa
Allows a fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. for 90 days to get married, then apply for a Green Card.
Financial Sponsorship (Form I-864)
Virtually all family-based immigrants must have a financial sponsor who signs an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). The sponsor must show income at least 125% of the federal poverty guideline. This is a legally binding contract lasting until the immigrant becomes a citizen or works for 10 years.