IMMIGRATION
Which family members of United States citizens can apply for a Green Card?
Having a family member who is a US citizen can be a favorable factor for those who intend to apply for the Green Card. But, to whom does it apply?
Every year, millions of migrants come to the United States with the hope of building a better life. According to official figures from the United States Customs and Border Protection, in 2023, around 2.5 million people arrived at the southern border of the US.
Although it is a challenging task to cross the border, starting a new life legally can be even more challenging. However, those seeking to live the “American Dream” and have family members who are US citizens have a slight advantage in the process.
According to the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), citizens and residents of the United States can apply for a Green Card for their family members by filling out form I-130, also known as the ‘Petition for Foreign Relative.’ But which family members does this apply to? Below, we explain.
Which family members of a United States citizen can apply for a Green Card?
US citizens can apply for a Green Card for four types of family members, namely: spouse, parents, siblings, and children. Each group has specific eligibility requirements. For instance, children must be under 21 and unmarried, while parents and siblings must be aged 21 or above. It is important to note that children of fiancés or spouses are not eligible to apply for a Green Card based on kinship.
The application fee is $535, and it can be submitted either online via the USCIS website or by mail to one of the available addresses. However, it’s essential to remember that the approval of the application or request doesn’t grant any immigration status or benefits to the relatives of the citizen, as it only confirms the existence of a relationship. Once the application is approved, the individual can apply to become a permanent resident.