How To Help Your Family Immigrate To The U.S. as a Green Card Holder

If you’re a U.S. permanent resident, you may be wondering: Can I help my family move to the United States?

The answer is yes, but the process is different from what U.S. citizens follow. Sponsoring family as a green card holder involves specific eligibility rules, wait times, and visa categories. But with the right support, it’s entirely possible.

This guide explains how to petition for your spouse or children as a lawful permanent resident and how Brudner Law makes sure your case moves forward smoothly.

Who You Can Sponsor as a Green Card Holder

As a green card holder, you can sponsor specific close relatives. This includes:

• Your spouse
• Your unmarried children under age 21
• Your unmarried sons and daughters over age 21

At this stage, you cannot sponsor married children, your parents, or siblings. These categories become available only after you become a U.S. citizen.

See how Brudner Law helps families reunite through green card sponsorship.

How the Family Sponsorship Process Works

The process starts with Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves your family relationship to USCIS.

Once the petition is approved, your family member must wait for a visa number to become available in their category. Because green card holders fall under the F2 family-based visa preference, there are annual caps—and often long wait times.

Once a visa is available:

• If your family member is outside the U.S., they apply through consular processing.
• If they are already in the U.S. and eligible, they may apply for adjustment of status.

Learn more about the USCIS process for families of green card holders.

Visa Category Matters for Timelines

Family members fall into two primary visa categories based on relationship and age:

• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21
• F2B: Unmarried adult sons and daughters over 21

F2A is typically faster, while F2B can take significantly longer. Processing times also vary based on your relative’s country of origin. For example, individuals from Mexico or the Philippines often experience longer wait times due to high demand.

Check the current Visa Bulletin to see processing times by category.

How Long Does It Take?

Timelines vary widely depending on visa category, country, and USCIS processing center:

• F2A: Approximately 2 to 3 years (sometimes shorter)
• F2B: 5 to 10 years or more

Filing early and accurately can make a big difference in avoiding delays.

Explore all green card paths available to families through immigration law services with Brudner Law.

What Documents Do You Need to Sponsor Family?

Sponsoring a family member requires detailed documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A copy of your green card (front and back)
• Prueba de parentesco
  
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse)
  • Birth certificate (for children)
• Completed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
• Proof of income or financial support (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs)
• Translations of any non-English documents

See which documents to gather for sponsorship and interviews on our Ultimate Green Card Interview Checklist blog.

Why Work With an Immigration Attorney for Family Sponsorship?

While it is possible to file a petition without legal help, even a minor error can cause major delays or result in a denial.

Working with a family immigration lawyer gives you the advantage of:

• Navigating changing visa bulletin timelines
• Preparing for requests for evidence (RFEs)
• Responding quickly to document or interview issues
• Avoiding common errors that delay approval

Get started with Brudner Law today.

FAQs: Sponsoring Family as a Green Card Holder

Can I sponsor my spouse if we’re not living together yet?

Yes. You’ll need to provide evidence of a genuine relationship, such as communication records, travel itineraries, or shared plans for reunification.

What happens if my child turns 21 while waiting?

They shift from the F2A to F2B visa category, which typically means a longer wait. Timing your petition strategically is important.

Can I help my parents immigrate if I have a green card?

No. Only U.S. citizens can sponsor parents, siblings, or married children. However, you can start the naturalization process and plan ahead.

Start the Process, Bring Them Closer

Helping your family immigrate is one of the most meaningful steps you can take as a green card holder. Even if you’re not yet a U.S. citizen, you have options, and waiting to file could mean years of unnecessary delay.

At Brudner Law, we’ve helped thousands of families navigate this journey. From your first petition to your relative’s final green card interview, we’ll guide you with care, clarity, and confidence.

Ready to begin your family immigration case? Contact Brudner Law for personalized legal support that puts your loved ones first.