Family-based immigration is the primary pathway to permanent residency in the United States, allowing U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor qualifying family members.
11 steps across 3 sections
1. Immediate Relatives (No Wait, Unlimited Visas)
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be 21+)
2. Family Preference Categories (Annual Limits Apply)
- F1 Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens
- F2A Spouses and children (under 21) of LPRs
- F2B Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of LPRs
- F3 Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4 Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be 21+)
3. Sponsor Requirements
- Must be a U.S. citizen or LPR (LPRs have more limited sponsorship categories)
- Must meet income requirements (125% of federal poverty guidelines) for the Affidavit of Support
- Must be domiciled in the United States
Common Mistakes
- Petitioning for ineligible relatives
- Not monitoring the Visa Bulletin
- Aging out
- Incomplete Affidavit of Support
- Not updating address changes
Pro Tips
- File I-130 as early as possible
- Check the Visa Bulletin every month
- Consider concurrent filing
- Maintain the qualifying relationship
- Use the CSPA calculation