Family-Based Immigration (Parents, Children & Siblings)

Who Can You Sponsor?

(Understanding the Categories)

U.S. immigration law divides family sponsorship into two distinct groups. Identifying which group your relative falls into is the most important step in understanding your timeline.

1. Immediate Relatives (No Wait for a Visa Number)

If you are a U.S. Citizen, visas for your "Immediate Relatives" are always available. There is no annual cap and no waiting in line for a visa number. This category includes:

• Parents of a U.S. Citizen (the sponsoring citizen must be at least 21 years old).

• Unmarried Children (under 21 years of age) of a U.S. Citizen.

• (Note: Spouses of U.S. Citizens are also Immediate Relatives. Please see our [Marriage-Based Immigration] page for specific details).

2. Family Preference Categories (Subject to the Visa Bulletin)

If you are sponsoring a more distant relative, or if you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), your relative falls into a "Preference Category." Congress limits the number of these visas issued each year, meaning there is often a waiting period—sometimes spanning years—before your relative can immigrate.

• First Preference (F1): Unmarried adult children (age 21 and over) of U.S. Citizens.

• Second Preference (F2A): Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of Green Card holders.

• Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried adult children (age 21 and over) of Green Card holders.

• Third Preference (F3): Married children of any age of U.S. Citizens.

• Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens (the sponsoring citizen must be at least 21 years old).

The Step-by-Step Process with IMMI.LAW

We blend modern case management technology with expert legal strategy to make this multi-step process stress-free:

Step 1: Filing the Petition (Form I-130) We begin by thoroughly preparing and filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to legally prove your family relationship. You can securely upload all birth certificates and proof of citizenship directly to your IMMI.LAW client portal.

Step 2: The Waiting Period & Visa Bulletin If your relative is in a "Family Preference" category, we actively monitor the Department of State's monthly Visa Bulletin. Once your "Priority Date" (the date we filed the I-130) reaches the front of the line, the next phase begins.

Step 3: National Visa Center (NVC) & Financial Sponsorship Once a visa is available, the case moves to the NVC. We handle the submission of all required civil documents and meticulously prepare Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to prove you meet the government's financial requirements to sponsor your relative.

Step 4: The Embassy Interview or Adjustment of Status

• If your relative is outside the U.S.: We prepare them for their final visa interview at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once approved, they will enter the U.S. as a Permanent Resident.

• If your relative is already inside the U.S. on a valid visa: They may be eligible to file for an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to get their Green Card without leaving the country.

Official Government Fees (Current as of 2026)

These are direct fees paid to the U.S. Government and do not include IMMI.LAW’s legal representation fees. We believe in total financial transparency.

For Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.):

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $625 (online filing) or $675 (paper filing)

• NVC Immigrant Visa Application Fee (DS-260): $325

• NVC Affidavit of Support Fee (I-864): $120

• USCIS Immigrant Fee (Green Card Production): $235

For Adjustment of Status (Inside the U.S., if applicable):

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $625 (online) / $675 (paper)

• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440

Please verify all current fees directly on the Official USCIS Fee Schedule and the Department of State Fee Schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my sibling or adult child visit me in the U.S. while their petition is pending? Technically, yes, they can apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. However, because an I-130 petition demonstrates "immigrant intent" (the desire to live in the U.S. permanently), border officers and consular officials heavily scrutinize visitor visa applications for these individuals. We can advise you on the risks and best practices for visiting.

What happens if my unmarried child turns 21 while we are waiting? This is a complex area of immigration law. Thanks to the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), your child's age may "freeze" under certain mathematical formulas, potentially allowing them to immigrate with you even if their biological age is over 21. Our attorneys always calculate CSPA eligibility to protect your children.

Do I have to make enough money to sponsor them? Yes. You must meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. If you do not meet the minimum income requirements, we can help you add a "Joint Sponsor" (a friend or family member who is a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) to co-sign the Affidavit of Support.

Stop Guessing. Start Planning.

Mistakes in family sponsorship don't just cost money; they cost years of time. Schedule an Assessment Consultation with our expert immigration team today, and let us map out the exact timeline and requirements for your family’s unique situation.

Schedule Your Assessment Consultation

(US $150)