Get Your Relative a Green Card with this Step-by-step Guide

Helping a family member come to live in the United States is one of the most meaningful things you can do. If you are a United States citizen or a green card holder, you may be able to sponsor a family member for a green card. This process allows your relative to become a permanent resident in the U.S. and eventually apply for citizenship. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a green card for relatives.

Applying for a green card for your family member can be somewhat confusing at first. But when you break it down into steps, it becomes easier to grasp. Whether your relative is already in the U.S. or living in another country, this guide explains how to get started and what to expect. Keep reading to learn about eligibility, timelines, required documents, and more.

Who Can Sponsor a Relative for a Green Card?

If you are a U.S. citizen or a green card holder (also known as a lawful permanent resident), you can sponsor some of your family members to come live in the United States. U.S. citizens have more options when it comes to family sponsorship than green card holders. The closer the relationship, the easier and quicker the process usually is. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are given the highest priority in the immigration process.

To clarify, the following groups of relatives can be sponsored depending on your status:

• U.S. citizens can sponsor a spouse, children (married or unmarried), parents, and siblings.
• Green card holders can only sponsor a spouse and unmarried children of any age.

If you’re wondering, can a green card holder sponsor a relative, the answer is yes—but only certain relatives, and they may have to wait longer. The relationship and your immigration status both play a big role in how long the process takes.

What Is an Immediate Relative in Immigration?

An immediate relative is a close family member who can receive a green card without being subject to yearly visa limits. This makes the process much faster for them compared to other relatives who must wait for a visa number to become available. U.S. citizens can apply for a green card for an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen with shorter wait times and fewer obstacles.

Immediate relatives include:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens
• Unmarried children under 21
• Parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is at least 21 years old)

Since there’s no annual cap on green cards for these relatives, their cases generally move faster through the system, but this may not be true at all times. Getting a green card for relatives of U.S. citizens who qualify as immediate relatives is one of the quickest ways to reunite with family members in the U.S.

Step 1: File the Immigrant Petition (Form I-130)

The first step in the process is submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form informs the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you want to sponsor a family member. You must include documents to prove your relationship and your immigration status. You’ll also need to pay a filing fee, which is currently $535.

When filing, you should include the following:

• Completed and signed Form I-130
• Proof of your U.S. citizenship or green card (such as a copy of your passport, birth certificate, or green card)
• Evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption papers, etc.)
• A recent passport-style photo of both you and your relative

USCIS will first review your petition and let you know if they need more information. If everything is in order, they will approve the petition and send you a notice. If they deny it, they’ll explain why and let you know if you can fix the issue and reapply.

Step 2: Apply for the Green Card (Form I-485 or Consular Processing)

Once the I-130 petition is approved (and a visa is available), your relative can apply for their green card. If your relative is already in the U.S., they can file Form I-485 to adjust their status. If they are outside the U.S., they will go through consular processing at a United States embassy or consulate in their home country.

Here’s what they’ll need to submit with Form I-485:

• A completed and signed Form I-485
• Two passport-style photos
• Copy of their birth certificate
• Copy of their passport
• Sealed medical exam report (Form I-693)
• Proof of approved Form I-130
• Completed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
• Filing fee (currently $1,225 for most applicants)

This step is very important, and missing documents or errors can slow things down. Make sure everything is filled out correctly and completely. The more complete the application, the faster it will move through the system.

Understanding the Relative Green Card Waiting Time

A big concern people have is the relative green card waiting time. Unfortunately, this can vary greatly depending on the sponsor’s immigration status, the family member’s relationship, and other factors. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not have to wait for a visa number, which, for them, makes their process much quicker.

However, for other family members like siblings or married children of U.S. citizens—or spouses of green card holders—the wait can be much longer. In some cases, it can take several years. It’s important to check the current visa bulletin from the U.S. Department of State to find out how long your relative might need to wait.

Common Mistakes That Can Delay the Process

Even if you do everything right, minor mistakes can cause major delays. One of the most common issues is submitting an incomplete application. If USCIS finds that a document is missing or a form is not signed, they’ll send a request for more information, which can delay your case by months.

Other common errors include:

• Not updating your address if you move
• Missing important deadlines or appointments (like biometrics)
• Failing to disclose a past arrest or immigration issue
• Not preparing well for interviews or forgetting to reschedule if you can’t make it

To avoid these issues, review your paperwork carefully or consider working with an immigration lawyer or service. Being extra cautious up front can save you a lot of time and stress later on.

What Happens After the Green Card is Approved?

If everything goes well and your relative’s green card application is approved, they’ll receive their card in the mail. This green card allows them to live and work legally in the U.S. It’ll be valid for ten years and can be renewed, or they can later apply for citizenship.

After getting their green card, your relative can start building their life in the U.S. They can also travel internationally, get a driver’s license, and apply for certain jobs. Getting a green card for relatives is often the first step toward long-term stability and opportunity.

Sponsoring Your Spouse or Child as a U.S. Citizen

If you’re a U.S. citizen, sponsoring your spouse or child is often the fastest and easiest process. That’s because they fall under the category of immediate relatives, which means they don’t have to wait for a visa number to become available. This is a big advantage when trying to get a green card for an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen.

You’ll still need to file Form I-130 and Form I-485 (or go through consular processing), but your case will likely move more quickly than other family-based applications. This makes reuniting with your loved ones easier and helps them settle into life in the U.S. sooner.

Can a Green Card Holder Sponsor a Relative?

Many people ask, can a green card holder sponsor a relative? The answer is yes—but only certain family members qualify. Green card holders can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children, however, they cannot sponsor married children, parents, or siblings until they become U.S. citizens.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Getting a green card for relatives is monumental, and careful planning can make the journey smoother. The most important thing you can do is stay organized and keep track of all documents, deadlines, and updates. Missing even one piece of information can lead to significant delays.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Keep a checklist of required forms and supporting documents
• Double-check everything before submitting
• Make copies of all documents you send to USCIS
• Sign up for updates and notifications through your USCIS account
• Respond quickly to any requests for additional information

These small steps can make a big difference in how smoothly your application goes. Taking your time and being prepared will help you avoid unnecessary stress.

When Should You Talk to an Immigration Attorney?

Not everyone needs a lawyer, but legal advice can be helpful. If your family member has a complex immigration history, a past criminal charge, or was previously denied a visa, talking to an immigration attorney might be a smart move. They can help you understand your options, which one is best for you, and avoid costly mistakes.

An attorney can also be useful if your case has been delayed for a long time or you’re unsure about the next steps. While professional legal help comes with a cost, it can often save you time, eliminate worries, and boost your chances of success in the long run.

Final Thoughts on Sponsoring a Family Member

Helping your family get a green card can be a long and emotional process, but it’s worth it. Whether you’re applying for a green card for relatives of U.S. citizens or you’re a green card holder starting the process, knowing what to expect can give you peace of mind. Just remember to be patient and stay organized.

Every family’s situation is different, so make sure you follow the right process for your case. Use the tools and resources available to you, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Getting a green card for relatives is a life-changing step, and with the right support, you can make it happen.