Family-Based Sponsorship
Family-based sponsorship is a process by which a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a family member to immigrate to the United States. This process is also known as “family reunification.” The U.S. citizen or permanent resident acts as the sponsor, and is responsible for providing financial support and assistance to the sponsored family member while they are in the United States.
There are two main categories of family-based sponsorship: immediate relative visas and family preference visas. Immediate relative visas are for spouses, children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. There is no annual limit on the number of immediate relative visas that can be issued. Family preference visas are for more distant relatives, including unmarried adult children, married children of any age, and siblings of U.S. citizens. There are annual limits on the number of family preference visas that can be issued.
The process for family-based sponsorship begins with the U.S. citizen or permanent resident filing a petition on behalf of the family member with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition is used to establish the family relationship and to show that the sponsor is able to provide financial support for the family member.
Once the petition is approved, the family member will typically need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. This process involves an interview, medical examination, and security checks. If the family member is found to be eligible, they will be issued an immigrant visa and can enter the United States as a permanent resident.
The process of family-based sponsorship can be complex and time-consuming, InterArtists possesses vast experience with the family-based immigration process.
Family-Based Sponsorship, Permanent Residency
Immediate relative
Immediate relative sponsorship is a type of family-based sponsorship in which a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a close family member to immigrate to the United States. The U.S. citizen or permanent resident acts as the sponsor, and is responsible for providing financial support and assistance to the sponsored family member while they are in the United States.
The immediate relatives that can be sponsored for immigration to the United States include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)
There is no annual limit on the number of immediate relative visas that can be issued. This means that there is no waiting time for these visas to become available.
The process for immediate relative sponsorship begins with the U.S. citizen or permanent resident filing a petition on behalf of the family member with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition is used to establish the family relationship and to show that the sponsor is able to provide financial support for the family member.
Once the petition is approved, the family member will typically need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. This process involves an interview, medical examination, and security checks. If the family member is found to be eligible, they will be issued an immigrant visa and can enter the United States as a permanent resident.
In the alternative, if the beneficiary is residing in the United States, they may be able to adjust status while inside the country.
Family-Based Sponsorship, Permanent Residency
Family Preference
Family preference sponsorship is a type of family-based sponsorship in which a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a more distant relative to immigrate to the United States. The U.S. citizen or permanent resident acts as the sponsor, and is responsible for providing financial support and assistance to the sponsored family member while they are in the United States.
The family preference categories include:
- Unmarried adult children (over the age of 21) of U.S. citizens
- Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents
- Married children of any age of U.S. citizens
- Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)
There are annual limits on the number of family preference visas that can be issued, which means there may be a waiting time for these visas to become available. The waiting time can vary depending on the demand for visas in each category and the country of origin of the sponsored family member.
The process for family preference sponsorship begins with the U.S. citizen or permanent resident filing a petition on behalf of the family member with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition is used to establish the family relationship and to show that the sponsor is able to provide financial support for the family member.
Once the petition is approved, the family member will typically need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. This process involves an interview, medical examination, and security checks. If the family member is found to be eligible, they will be issued an immigrant visa and can enter the United States as a permanent resident.
US Citizenship
After obtaining either an employment-based or family-based permanent residency in the United States, individuals can become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. To be eligible for naturalization, an individual must meet certain requirements, including:
- Continuous residence in the United States as a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if they obtained their permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen).
- Physical presence in the United States for at least half of the continuous residency requirement.
- Good moral character.
- Ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- Attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
Once an individual meets these requirements, they can file an application for naturalization with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application process involves an interview, a written test, and a ceremony where the individual takes the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
It’s important to note that there may be additional requirements or exceptions to the eligibility criteria, depending on an individual’s specific circumstances. For this reason, it’s recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney or to seek assistance from a local USCIS office before filing an application for naturalization.