Obtaining a family-based green card depends on both the applicant’s relationship to the sponsor and the sponsor’s immigration status. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have different rights when it comes to petitioning family members.

U.S. citizens may sponsor close relatives such as spouses, children (both married and unmarried), parents, and siblings. Stepchildren and stepparents may also qualify in certain situations, provided the family relationship was legally established before the child turned eighteen. Because immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to annual visa limits, these cases often move faster than other family-based categories.

Lawful permanent residents have more limited sponsorship options. Green card holders may petition for their spouse and unmarried children, including adult unmarried children. However, permanent residents cannot sponsor parents, married children, or siblings. Many clients choose to pursue U.S. citizenship later in order to expand their ability to reunite their family.