Family-Based Green Cards – All Questions Answered

This article was last updated and fact checked on January 28, 2023 by Mani Karthik.

The family-based green card is one of the most common ways for immigrants to gain legal permanent residency in the United States. If you’re sponsored by a family member who is a U. S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible for a green card. The process can be long and complex, but this guide will give you all the information you need to get started.

Introduction: The Ultimate Guide to Family-Based Green Cards

If you’re looking to obtain a green card through family sponsorship, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a family-based green card, from start to finish. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including what documents you’ll need to gather, how to fill out the necessary forms, and what to expect during the interview process. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be well on your way to getting your green card and making your dream of living in the United States a reality.

Filing Fees for a Family-Based Green Card in 2020

The cost of filing for a family-based green card has increased in recent years. In 2020, the fee is $535, plus an additional $85 for biometrics (fingerprints and photos). There are also additional fees for certain categories of applicants, such as those who need to have their medical examinations done overseas. The total cost of a family-based green card can therefore range from $535 to over $2,000.

The Different Categories of Family-Based Green Cards

There are four different categories of family-based green cards: immediate relatives, family preference categories, employment-based preference categories, and the diversity visa lottery.

Immediate relatives

The most common type of family-based green card is the immediate relative visa. This is a visa reserved for spouses, children (under 21 years of age), parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

To qualify for an immediate relative visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• You must be legally residing in the United States.
• You must be a close relative of a U.S

Family Preference Categories

The family preference category visa is another common type of green card. This visa is available to individuals who are relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

• The family preference category includes the following categories:
• Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
• Unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents
• Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
• Married sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents who are accompanying or following to join their spouses
• Parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
• Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
• Employment-Based Preference CategoriesThe employment-based preference category visa is for individuals who are able to demonstrate that they will be able to contribute to the U.S. economy in a skilled or unskilled position.
• The employment-based preference categories include the following:
• Family-sponsored immigrants
• Immigrants who are refugees
• Asylees
• Refugees who have been granted asylum
• Nationals of certain countries who are eligible for the employment

Processing Time for a Family-Based Green Card for Parents

The family-based green card process can be long and complicated. In this guide, we’ll go over the processing time for a family-based green card for parents, as well as what you can do to speed up the process. The first step is to file an I-130 petition with the USCIS. The I-130 is the form that establishes the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.

Once the I-130 is approved, the next step is to file an I-485 application to adjust the beneficiary’s status to permanent resident. The I-485 can be filed concurrently with the I-130, or after the I-130 has been approved.

The processing time for the I-485 is currently about 7 months.

However, if the I-485 is filed concurrently with the I-130, the processing time will be about 10-12 months. After the I-485 is approved, the beneficiary will be issued a green card. If you are a parent of a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for a family-based green card.

The processing time for this type of green card is typically about 10-12 months. However, there are a few steps that you can take to speed up the process. One way to speed up the process is to hire an immigration lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the complicated family-based green card process and can help you prepare your application paperwork.

Eligibility Requirements for a Family-Based Green Card

To be eligible for a family-based green card, you must be a close relative of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. You must also meet certain other requirements, such as being admissible to the United States and having a qualifying immigrant visa. If you are ineligible for a family-based green card, you may still be eligible for an employment-based green card or another type of visa.

How to Apply for a Family-Based Green Card

A foreign national may be eligible for a family-based green card if he or she has a qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A foreign national who is the spouse, unmarried child under 21 years of age, or parent of a U.S. citizen may be eligible for immediate relative status and obtain a green card without having to wait for an immigrant visa to become available.

The foreign national’s U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative must file a petition on the foreign national’s behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the foreign national may apply for a green card through consular processing or adjustment of status.

If the foreign national is the sibling of a U.S. citizen or the adult child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, he or she may be eligible for a family preference visa. Family preference visas are subject to annual numerical limits, so there may be a waiting period before a visa becomes available.

Documents Required for a Family-Based Green Card Application

The family-based green card process can be long and complicated. There are a number of documents that you will need to submit in order to complete your application. These include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of financial support. In addition, you will need to undergo a medical examination and an interview with a US consular officer. The entire process can take several months to complete. However, if you are prepared and have all of the required documents, the process will go much smoother.

– Birth certificate
– Marriage certificate
– Proof of relationship
– Employment authorization
– Passport
– I-94
– I-20
– I-485
– I-864
– I-131

What is the current wait time for a family-based Green Card for a sibling?

According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of State, the current wait time for a family-based green card for a sibling is approximately 12 years. This is based on the date of the applicant’s most recent qualifying family relationship. However, it should be noted that this is an estimate, and the actual wait time may be shorter or longer depending on a number of factors.

Why is an employment-based green card more difficult than marriage-based green cards USA?

An employment-based green card is more difficult than a marriage-based green card in the United States for a number of reasons.

First, there are a limited number of employment-based green cards available each year, which means that there is more competition for them.

Second, the process for getting an employment-based green card is more complex and time-consuming than the process for getting a marriage-based green card. Finally, employment-based green cards are subject to a number of additional requirements, such as having a job offer from a U.S. employer and being able to demonstrate that you have the skills and qualifications to fill that position.