You Can Help Your Family Member Obtain A Green Card
A person who wishes to help one of their family members obtain a green card will be able to apply for a green card on that person’s behalf.
Even though the above is true, there is one thing to know about this: the process of helping a family member obtain a green card differs if the person applying, on their family members behalf, is an immigrant or U.S. citizen.
Going over how an immigrant and/or U.S. citizen can help their family members green card, while speaking with a lawyer who specializes in family visa laws, will make it much easier to do so.
What Is A Green Card?
A green card is a document that signifies the following: you are a permanent resident of the United States.
Just as an example, if someone has a green card, then this means that they can live, and work, in the United States on a permanent basis.
If an immigrant stays in the United States for long enough, and does so while abiding by all of the rules that govern the United States, then they may be able to become a citizen.
An immigrant can help their relatives obtain a green card. And, the same is true of U.S. citizens, who can also help their relatives obtain a green card.
How Can An Immigrant Help Their Family Members Obtain A Green Card?
If an immigrant would like to help their family members obtain a green card, then they can do so. But, they can only do so if the family member they want to bring to the United States is:
- Their spouse.
- Their unmarried child.
Just as an example, if a woman is a permanent resident of the United States, and wants to bring her boyfriend into the country on a green card, she cannot do so. But, if she marries, then she will be able to do so.
To do so, they must:
- File a Form I-130.
- Provide proof that they are a permanent resident.
- Provide proof of their relationship with the family member they wish to bring over.
Every single one of the above will allow a permanent resident to help their family member obtain a green card.
How Can A U.S. Citizen Help Their Family Members Obtain A Green Card?
A U.S. citizen who wants to bring their family members into the United States can do so. But, only if the family members they want to bring over are:
- Their parents.
- Their siblings.
- Their spouse.
- Their child.
To do so, they must:
- File a Form I-130.
- Have their relative file a Form I-485.
The latter may not be necessary. But, by filing a Form I-130, a U.S. citizen can begin the process and, in doing so, get a confirmation or denial of their green card request.
Speak With A Houston Immigration Lawyer Today
If you would like to bring your family members to the United States, you can do so. Speak with a Houston immigration lawyer at BBA Immigration today and we will help you do so.
Sources:
uscis.gov/family/family-of-green-card-holders-permanent-residents
uscis.gov/i-130
uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/A1en.pdf
uscis.gov/i-485
