Learn about the eligibility requirements to obtain a Green Card through a family member or how to become a sponsor if you are a US citizen.
The first step is to know the different categories of eligibility to obtain a Green Card or Legal Permanent Residence (LPR) through a relative:
- Immediate relative of a US citizen: Eligible if you are the spouse of a US citizen, child under the age of 21 of a US citizen, parent of a US citizen who is at least 21 years old.
- Other relative of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident under the family-based preference categories: Eligible if you are an unmarried child of a U.S. citizen over the age of 21, married child of a U.S. citizen, sibling of a citizen at least 21 years old, spouse of an LPR, unmarried child under 21 of an LPR, unmarried child of a legal resident 21 years of age or older.
- Fiancé(e) of a US citizen or child of a fiancé(e).
- Widow (er) of a US citizen or Self Petitioner of Violence Against Women (VAWA), victim of abuse or extreme cruelty: abused spouse, child or parent of a US citizen or LPR.
Check the complete information in the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/es/residencia-permanente-tarjeta-verde/categorias-de-elegibilidad-a-la-residencia-permanente
The next step is to complete form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, available at the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/es/i-130. “Usually, we approve your Form I-130 if you can demonstrate the relationship between you and the family member that qualifies your family member to immigrate to the United States. Generally, once we approve the petition, your family member can apply to become a lawful permanent resident, ”explains the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The application can be submitted online or by mail in paper format by creating an account with USCIS online: https://www.uscis.gov/es/presentacion-de-solicitudes-en-linea/como-crear-una-cuenta-de-uscis-en-linea.
If the relative is already in the United States and visas are available, then they will be eligible to obtain the Green Card by submitting Form I-485, Application for Registration of Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status. This form and the I-130 can be filed together. See more information at USCIS.
