Family-Based Immigration
Family-based immigration lets U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents petition for qualifying relatives to obtain a green card. The process starts with a petition that establishes the family relationship, followed by either adjustment of status inside the U.S. or consular processing abroad. Wait times depend on the relative's category and country of birth.
Who can sponsor a relative
Immediate relatives vs. preference categories
Two paths to a green card
Related Topics
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa
The K-1 visa lets the foreign fiance(e) of a U.S. citizen enter the United States to marry within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreign spouse applies to adjust status to lawful permanent resident. The process begins with the U.S. citizen filing a petition that proves a genuine intent to marry and a qualifying in-person relationship.
Marriage-Based Green Card
A marriage-based green card gives the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident the right to live and work permanently in the United States. The couple must prove a genuine marriage with shared documentation, and the immigrant either adjusts status inside the U.S. or completes consular processing abroad. Recent marriages often result in a conditional green card.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Citations
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