There are many ways to get a Green Card. One common way that people get Green Cards is through their family member. If you are a family member of a permanent resident or citizen, you may be eligible to get a Green Card through them.
While getting a Green Card can be expensive and time consuming, Green Cards are very valuable items that can make living in the United States much easier.
Who is eligible to get a Green Card through a family member?
If you belong to any of the categories below, you may be eligible to get a Green Card through a family member. The categories determine the eligibility to receive your immigrant visas and how long it would take to become a permanent resident.
| Immediate Relative | -spouse of a U.S. citizen -child of a U.S. citizen (under 21) -parent of a U.S. citizen who is over 21 |
| Other relative | -sibling of a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old -child of U.S. citizen over 21, married or unmarried -spouse of a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) -child of a lawful permanent resident |
| Fiancee | -The fiancee of a U.S. citizen -child of a Fiancee of a U.S. citizen |
| Widower(er) | -widow/widower of a U.S. citizen |
| Victim of Battery | -abused spouse of a U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident -abused child of U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident (unmarried, under 21) -abused parent of a U.S. citizen |
General Process to get a Green Card through a Family Member
Your family member must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Your family member must prove that they are a permanent resident. They must also submit proof that they are related to you. Examples of proof include a birth certificate or a marriage certificate. After this, you must go through either consular processing or adjustment of status to receive a Green Card.
For more detailed Green Card process for a family member check out the articles Green Card for parents and Green Card for siblings.
How much does it cost to get a Green Card through a family member?
Form I-130 costs $535 to file. Form I-485 costs $1,140 to file, as well as an $85 biometrics exam fee if you are between the ages of 14 and 79 if taking the process of Adjustment Of Status. About $300 to $350 if getting a Green Card through consular processing. Hiring a lawyer costs money as well, and is an option you might want to consider. This means that the entire process could cost around $2,000 to $7,500.
See Also: The Total Cost To Obtain a Green Card
How long does it take to get a Green Card through a family member?
It can take as little as 6 months and as many as 10 years to get a Green Card through a family member. While it can take 6-12 months to receive a Green Card through an immediate family member, all other family based Green Cards can take years.
