As a citizen of the United States, you may help a relative become a lawful permanent resident of the United States by obtaining what is often referred to as a “Green Card.” To do so, you need to sponsor your relative and be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your relative(s) when they come to the United States.

 

You begin the process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the family relationship that exists between you and your relative.

 Sometimes the I-130 can be filed together with an application for permanent residence (Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

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If you are a U.S. citizen, you must file a separate Form I-130 for each eligible relative. You may file Form I-130 for:

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A. Your spouse;

B. Your unmarried children under 21 years of age;

C. Your unmarried sons or daughters 21 years of age or older;

D. Your married sons or daughters of any age;

E. Your brothers or sisters (you must be 21 years of age or older); and

F. Your mother or father (you must be 21 years of age or older).

 

 If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you must file a separate Form I-130 for each eligible relative. You may file Form I-130 for:

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A. Your spouse;

B. Your unmarried child under 21 years of age; and

C. Your unmarried son or daughter 21 years of age or older

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When you submit your petition, you are required to provide evidence to prove your relationship to the person for whom you are filing.

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Filing a Form I-130 and proving a qualifying relationship gives your relative a place in line with others waiting to immigrate from the same country or region based on the same type of relationship. When your relative reaches the front of the line, he or she may be eligible to immigrate after passing the required background checks and meeting requirements for admission.