Many people who initially immigrate to the U.S. and become lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens may eventually want to bring their family members to the U.S. to live as well. There are a variety of ways a person can be eligible to apply for a Green Card through family.
Immediate relatives
If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you may apply for a Green Card. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include spouses, unmarried children under age 21 or parents of a U.S. citizen who is age 21 or above.
Also, if you are an immediate relative of a lawful permanent resident, you may apply for a Green Card. Immediate relatives of lawful permanent residents include spouses, unmarried children under age 21 and unmarried children age 21 or above.
Other relatives
If you are not an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you may still be able to obtain a Green Card in certain circumstances. Non-immediate residents include unmarried children of a U.S. citizen who is age 21 or above, married children of a U.S. citizen or siblings of a U.S. citizen who is age 21 or above. Non-immediate residents will also be subject to family-based preference categories.
Fiances and widow(er)s
A person who comes to the U.S. as a fiancé of a U.S. citizen or the child of a fiancé of a U.S. citizen, you may seek a Green Card. In addition, widow(er)s of U.S. citizens who were married at the time the U.S. citizen spouse passed away may seek a Green Card.
Learn more about family immigration
As this shows, there are a variety of ways a relative of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can pursue a Green Card. This post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Those who want to learn more about family immigration are invited to explore our firm’s website for further information.