Do you have U.S. citizenship and would like to apply for residency for a family member? If so, this information is of interest to you.
As a U.S. citizen, you can help your family members obtain legal permanent residency in the United States. Find out the requirements here:
Steps to apply for residency
- You must demonstrate that you have sufficient income or assets to sponsor your family member and support him/her financially.
- Complete and file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. In this form you must include all the information related to your relative and the link you have with him/her.
What relatives can you ask?
If you are 21 years of age or older, you may submit an application by:
- Parents
- Spouse.
- Children, whether married or unmarried.
- Siblings.
What is the process after submitting the application?
Upon filing the application and proving the relationship to your relative, he or she will have to wait for Immigration to review the documents and perform a background check. If you meet the requirements, DOS will approve the I-130 and invite you to apply for your immigrant visa. If your relative is already in the United States legally, you can file an application to change his or her status to become a permanent resident.
