People who come to the United States to live need to have a green card, but getting one isn’t always easy. For many people, the family-based immigration program is the best option for getting that card so they can live in the country legally.
In order to get a green card through family-based immigration, the individual must have someone to sponsor them. There are very strict requirements and some limits that come with this.
U.S. citizens as sponsors
Citizens can sponsor their close relatives for green cards. Unmarried children who aren’t 21 or older, their parents or their spouses. There’s no limit for the immediate relative visas that are issued each year.
Citizens can also sponsor other relatives, but there are limits to how many are issued each year. These include married children, siblings, and unmarried children who are at least 21 years old.
Legal permanent residents as sponsors
Legal permanent residents have more limitations about who they can sponsor, and these are all limited in number. They can only sponsor their spouse and unmarried children.
The immigrant must also meet other requirements if they want to get their application approved. This includes paying fees, having interviews and being of good moral character.
The laws and regulations for immigration matters change often, so it may be beneficial for people in this position to work with someone who stays up-to-date on these changes. It’s best to have everything in order when submitting the documentation because paperwork that’s incomplete or improperly filled out can delay the application process.