The family sponsorship USA process lets you reunite with your loved ones, but it’s not as simple as filling out a form. Immigration takes time. It takes patience. And if you make mistakes? You could be waiting years.
U.S. citizens and green card holders can sponsor family members for permanent residency, but not all relatives qualify. Processing times vary depending on your relationship. If you’re planning to bring your spouse, parents, or children to the U.S., knowing the right steps can save you from delays and frustration.
This guide walks you through the entire process—who qualifies, how to apply, and how to avoid the biggest mistakes.
Who Can You Sponsor?
Not every family member is eligible for sponsorship. The U.S. immigration system prioritizes immediate relatives over extended family members.
Immediate Relatives (Fastest Processing)
✔️ Spouse (husband or wife)
✔️ Children under 21 (unmarried)
✔️ Parents (if you are 21 or older)
Family Preference Categories (Longer Waits)
✔️ Unmarried children 21+ (U.S. citizens only)
✔️ Married children (U.S. citizens only)
✔️ Siblings (U.S. citizens only, longest wait times)
If your relative falls into the immediate relative category, they bypass visa caps and get processed faster. Everyone else joins the preference system, meaning years of waiting.
Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The process starts with Form I-130, which tells U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you are sponsoring a qualifying family member.
What You Need to Submit:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Green Card (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card copy)
- Proof of Relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption records)
- Supporting Evidence (photos, letters, anything proving a genuine relationship)
Filing Fee: $535
Processing Time: 8–15 months
Many people assume filing the form means their relative can move to the U.S. immediately. That’s a mistake. Approval is just the first step.
Step 2: What Happens After USCIS Approval?
Once USCIS approves the petition, the process depends on where your relative is living.
If They Are Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)
The case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). Your relative will:
✔️ Submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
✔️ Provide civil documents (passports, police clearances)
✔️ Attend an interview at a U.S. embassy
If approved, they get a visa and travel to the U.S. Their green card arrives by mail within weeks.
If They Are Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status – Form I-485)
If your relative is already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they can apply for a green card without leaving. This requires:
✔️ Filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
✔️ Attending a biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photos)
✔️ Completing a green card interview (if required)
Processing takes 6–12 months for immediate relatives, years for preference cases.
Step 3: The Affidavit of Support (Proving Financial Stability)
Sponsoring someone means taking financial responsibility for them. The government requires an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to prove that your relative won’t rely on public assistance.
Income Requirements for Sponsorship
✔️ $24,650/year for a household of two
✔️ $30,650/year for a household of three
✔️ $37,650/year for a household of four
Can’t meet the income requirements? You’ll need a joint sponsor—a U.S. citizen or green card holder willing to co-sponsor your relative.
Step 4: Green Card Approval & Moving to the U.S.
Once approved, your family member receives their green card and becomes a permanent resident. They can now:
✔️ Live and work in the U.S.
✔️ Travel freely (with some restrictions)
✔️ Apply for U.S. citizenship after a few years
Green Card Validity
- Marriage-based green cards: Conditional (2 years)
- All other family-based green cards: Permanent (10 years)
How Long Does Family Sponsorship Take?
Processing times vary based on the relationship category.
Estimated Wait Times:
- Spouses & Parents: 6–12 months
- Children (under 21, unmarried): 1–2 years
- Married Children & Siblings: 5–20 years
Monica learned this the hard way. She applied to sponsor her brother from the Philippines, thinking it would take a couple of years. It took 16 years. Had she explored other visa options, he could have moved sooner.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Incomplete Applications – Even a missing signature can delay processing by months.
- Not Enough Proof of Relationship – Spouses should provide wedding photos, bank statements, and letters.
- Ignoring Income Requirements – If your income is too low, line up a joint sponsor before applying.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply Now?
The family sponsorship USA process takes time, but the sooner you start, the sooner your loved ones can be with you. Immigration backlogs grow every year. Waiting only makes it harder.
If your spouse, parents, or children qualify, file now. Processing delays are common, and the system isn’t getting faster. Get your paperwork in order, follow the steps, and make no mistakes. Your family’s future in the U.S. depends on it.