If you live in the United States and have loved ones abroad, you may want to bring them into the country. U.S. immigration law allows citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for a Green Card. Find out what it takes to complete an application in this helpful guide.

Who’s Eligible for a Family Visa?

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you may sponsor a spouse and adopted orphans as well as your unmarried children and grandchildren. You can also sponsor your parents if you’re 21 or older.

Not every relative is eligible for Green Card sponsorship. For instance, you aren’t allowed to apply for grandparents, in-laws, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Get a full overview of the eligibility categories on the government immigration law website.

What’s the Application Process Like?

The first step is completing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relatives. You have to prove your relationship to the person you want to sponsor and that you can financially support them. Once approved, your loved one can apply for a Green Card, and they must undergo criminal health screenings, background checks, and security screenings.

Family applications account for the majority of legal immigration in the country every year, and there’s an annual cap on how many requests are approved. Due to the demand, a small error in your paperwork can derail your application. Avoid delays by enlisting the services of an immigration law professional from the start.

If you’re eager to be reunited with your loved ones, contact the Law Office of Carmen DiAmore-Siah in Honolulu, HI. With over 20 years of experience in immigration law, these professionals have helped countless families navigate the visa application processes. Dedicated to customer service, they also offer translators who are fluent in English, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, and Tagalog. Send a message online or call (808) 531-2277 to schedule a free consultation.