Immediate Relative Visa FAQ, Costs, Fees & Document Checklist

If you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, they can petition for you to obtain an immediate relative green card. Immediate relative green card petitions apply to close family members such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 years of age. Here’s what you need to know about immediate relative green card petitions.

Marriage-Based Sponsorship

If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, they can petition for you to obtain an immediate relative green card. To qualify for the green card, you must have a valid and legal marriage recognized by the U.S. government, and your spouse must prove that they have enough income or assets to support you. You’ll need to submit documents such as your marriage certificate, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and evidence of financial support with your application.

Parent Sponsorship

If you’re the parent of a U.S. citizen who is 21 years of age or older, they can petition for you to obtain an immediate relative green card. To qualify for the green card, you must prove that you’re the parent of the U.S. citizen, that your child is a U.S. citizen, and that your child is financially able to support you. You’ll need to submit documents such as your birth certificate, your child’s birth certificate, proof of your child’s citizenship, and evidence of financial support with your application.

Other Immediate Relative Sponsorship

Other immediate relatives who can be sponsored for a green card include unmarried children under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen, as well as spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of a lawful permanent resident. These relatives are also eligible for immediate relative green cards, and the process of obtaining a green card is similar to that of marriage-based sponsorship and parent sponsorship.

In conclusion, immediate relative green card petitions are available to close family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The process involves providing documents such as marriage and birth certificates, as well as evidence of financial support. If you have questions or need more information about immediate relative green card petitions, refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS) websites for up-to-date information and guidance.

Sources:

1. “Green Card for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizen,” USCIS, https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-of-us-citizens/green-card-for-immediate-relative-of-us-citizen
2. “Family-Based Immigrant Visas,” DOS, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration/family-based-immigrant-visas.html

If you are planning to bring a close family member to the United States, you may need to file an Immediate Relative Green Card Petition. This type of petition allows you to sponsor your spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 years of age for a green card. To file a successful petition, you will need to provide several required documents. Here is a checklist of the documents you will need to include in your Immediate Relative Green Card Petition.

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence The first document you will need to include is proof of your own U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status. You can use a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization or citizenship as proof.
2. Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative You will need to fill out and submit Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which is the official USCIS form for sponsoring a family member for a green card. Make sure to fill out the form accurately and completely.
3. Proof of Relationship You will also need to provide evidence of your relationship with the family member you are sponsoring. This can include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption decree.
4. Affidavit of Support As the sponsor, you will need to demonstrate that you can financially support your family member. You will need to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with supporting documents such as tax returns and pay stubs.
5. Medical Examination Results Your family member will need to undergo a medical examination with an authorized USCIS doctor. The doctor will provide a report of the examination, which you will need to include in your petition.
6. Filing Fees Finally, you will need to pay the appropriate filing fees when submitting your petition.

Remember, these are just the basic required documents for an Immediate Relative Green Card Petition. Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide additional documentation. Be sure to carefully review the USCIS website and consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that you have included all necessary documents.

In conclusion, the process of sponsoring a family member for a green card can be complex, but with a thorough understanding of the required documents and proper preparation, you can make the process easier. By using this checklist and consulting with reliable sources such as the USCIS website, you can ensure that your Immediate Relative Green Card Petition is complete and ready for submission.

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident looking to bring your immediate family member to the United States, you may be interested in learning more about the statistics and facts related to the immediate relative green card sponsorship process. Here are some interesting facts and figures about this process.

1. The immediate relative green card sponsorship process is one of the fastest ways to obtain a green card. Unlike other categories of green card sponsorship, such as employment-based or diversity lottery, there is no waitlist for immediate relative sponsorship. This means that as long as you can provide the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria, your family member can obtain a green card relatively quickly.
2. The majority of immediate relative green card sponsors are U.S. citizens. According to USCIS data, more than 95% of immediate relative green card sponsors are U.S. citizens, while the remaining sponsors are lawful permanent residents.
3. The most common immediate relative green card sponsorship category is for spouses. Spousal sponsorship accounts for more than half of all immediate relative green card petitions filed, according to USCIS data.
4. Several U.S. presidents have commented on the importance of family-based immigration and the immediate relative green card sponsorship process. In 2013, former President Barack Obama said in a speech, “Family-based immigration has always been the foundation of our immigration system. We don’t just welcome new immigrants, we help them become Americans.” Similarly, former President George W. Bush has spoken in favor of family-based immigration, stating that “family values do not stop at the Rio Grande River.”
5. The immediate relative green card sponsorship process has been the subject of political debate and controversy. Some politicians have criticized the immediate relative green card sponsorship process, arguing that it leads to chain migration and puts a strain on the country’s resources. However, supporters of the process argue that it strengthens families and promotes the country’s values of family reunification.

In conclusion, the immediate relative green card sponsorship process is an important pathway for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring their immediate family members to the United States. While the process has faced some criticism and controversy, it remains an integral part of the country’s immigration system. By staying informed about the statistics and facts related to this process, you can better understand its significance and navigate it successfully.

Sources:

1. Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-trump-could-change-the-legal-immigration-system-1517320800
2. CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/09/politics/trump-immigration-family-reunification/index.html
3. Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-plan-to-end-chain-migration-faces-uphill-battle-in-the-senate

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be a complex and difficult process, especially when it comes to family-based green card sponsorship. That’s why it’s important to consider hiring an immigration lawyer to prepare and handle your case. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why you should consider working with a visa law firm, visa attorney, or visa lawyer to help with your family-based green card sponsorship.

First and foremost, an experienced immigration lawyer can provide you with expert guidance and advice on the U.S. visa application process. They can help you understand the various requirements and deadlines for submitting your application, as well as any potential issues or complications that may arise during the process. Additionally, an immigration lawyer can assist with preparing and organizing your paperwork and documents, ensuring that your application is accurate and complete.

Furthermore, an immigration lawyer can help you navigate the often-changing visa laws and regulations in the U.S. As a news source reported, “U.S. immigration law is always evolving, and with the current political climate, changes are happening at a faster rate than ever before.” A visa attorney can help you stay up-to-date on the latest visa laws and regulations, and provide you with sound legal advice on how to best navigate them.

Finally, working with an immigration lawyer can help give you peace of mind throughout the visa application process. Knowing that you have an experienced professional on your side can alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that comes with navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.

In conclusion, if you’re considering family-based green card sponsorship, it’s important to consider hiring an immigration lawyer or a visa law firm to help you prepare and handle your case. By working with an experienced professional, you can ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and up-to-date with the latest visa laws and regulations. Additionally, having an immigration lawyer on your side can help give you peace of mind and make the visa application process less stressful.

Sources:

U.S. News & World Report: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2019-05-02/why-hiring-an-immigration-lawyer-is-a-smart-move