Monday Q & A

Yes, you can sponsor a family member to come to the United States, but the process depends on the relationship between you and the family member, as well as their specific situation.  Generally, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor certain relatives for family-based immigration.

Who Can You Sponsor?

The eligibility for sponsorship depends on the type of family relationship you have and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a green card holder.

If you are a U.S. citizen:

• Immediate relatives (No annual cap): Immediate relatives are those who are closest to you, and you can sponsor them for a green card without worrying about the annual limit on how many can be accepted.  These include:
  • Spouse: You can sponsor your husband or wife to come to the U.S.
  • Unmarried children under 21: This includes biological children, stepchildren, and adopted children who are under 21 years old.
  • Parents: You can sponsor your parents if you are at least 21 years old.

 

• Family preference categories (subject to annual caps): These categories have an annual cap, meaning that only a limited number of people can be accepted each year, so the wait times may be longer.  These include:
  • Unmarried children over 21: If your children are over the age of 21 and unmarried, they fall under this category.
  • Married children of any age: You can sponsor your married children, regardless of age.
  • Siblings: You can also sponsor your brothers and sisters, provided you are at least 21 years old.  However, this category tends to have the longest wait times.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder):

As a green card holder, your sponsorship options are somewhat more limited compared to U.S. citizens, and the wait times for approval can be longer due to caps on family-based visas.  Here are the family members you can sponsor:
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• Spouse: You can sponsor your husband or wife to join you in the U.S.
• Unmarried children under 21: This includes children who are biological, adopted, or stepchildren, as long as they are unmarried and under 21 years old.
• Unmarried children over 21: While you can sponsor your unmarried children who are 21 years old or older, the wait times can be long because of the annual limits for this category.

Green card holders cannot sponsor parents, siblings, or married children. If you are interested in sponsoring these family members, you must first become a U.S. citizen.

​In conclusion, this process can be lengthy, depending on the family category and the country your relative is from, so patience is key.  If you are unsure of any steps or need help with the paperwork, consulting an immigration attorney could be beneficial.
Would you like help with any specific aspect of the sponsorship process, or do you have a particular family member in mind you would like to sponsor?

Drop your questions in the comments or send us an email [email protected]

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help.  At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].