Green card for a relative: what is needed to transport him to America, and how long does the process take

Many immigrants to the United States have relatives living in other countries and are wondering if they can be brought here. It is possible, but it is not as easy as many people think. It is a myth that if one person settles in the United States, he can get a green card for his entire extended family. The truth is both more limited and more complex, the publication explains. Nolo.

Which of the relatives you have the right to help immigrate to America

You can petition to bring family members to the United States (often referred to as “green card sponsorship”). To do this, you need to be a US citizen or permanent resident (green card holder). But you can not invite all family members to the USA, but only those who are listed below.

• US Citizens 21+ Can Help immigrate parents. The immigrant category is the next of kin.
• US citizens aged 18 and over can apply for a spouse or unmarried minor children to move to the United States. Immigrant category - next of kin.
• If US citizens apply to move to America for children who are married or have reached the age of 21, the latter will be classified as relative preference, and the process of their immigration can take very many years.
• Brothers or sisters who are petitioned by U.S. citizens aged 21 or older are in relative preference, meaning the process can take years.
• US residents (green card holders) are eligible to apply for immigration of unmarried children. They will be classified as relative preference.
• Also, residents can help their spouses immigrate. The immigrant category is relative preference.

Please note that many relatives are not included in this list - grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, father-in-law and other members of the extended family cannot be transported to America by an immigrant, even if he has received citizenship.

How long can relatives wait for a family reunification green card?

Immediate relatives can get a green card on a first-come, first-served basis without worrying about limits. However, the application processing process will still take several months.

Relative preference relatives usually have to wait several years before being allowed to apply for a visa or green card. All because of the limits set for such categories of green cards.

On the subject: What to do if your green card interview went wrong

Average waiting time

Typically, candidates in a higher preference category expect less. The average waiting time in 2022 is as follows:

• In the first (F1) relative preference category, the waiting period for adult unmarried children of US citizens is eight years. But due to the large number of applications, this period has increased to 22 years for citizens of Mexico and ten years for citizens of the Philippines.
• Spouses or children of US residents in the second (F2A and F2B) relative preference category may be approved immediately. There is currently no waiting for spouses or minor children in category 2A, but in the past it was usually between two and 22 years old depending on the country of origin. In Category 2B, for unmarried children over 21, the average waiting time is seven years for most countries, 22 for Mexican citizens, and 11 years for Filipino citizens.
• Married children of US citizens in the third category of relative preference expect up to 14 years of age. The waiting period is 25 years for Mexican citizens and 20 years for Filipino citizens.
• Brothers and sisters of US citizens in the fourth category of relative preference expect about 15 years. The term is 17 years for Indian citizens, 22 years for Mexican citizens and 20 years for Philippine citizens.

While these waiting periods may vary slightly from month to month, the trend generally continues across categories.