Family and green cards
Who can you bring, and how long is the line?
A citizen or a permanent resident can petition for close relatives. Spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens do not wait in a numbered line; most other relatives do, sometimes for many years. We tell you which line your family is in before you spend anything.
The petition proves the family relationship. A second step gives the green card: adjusting status if the person is already here, or an interview at a consulate abroad. Which path applies depends on how and when the person entered, and that is the first thing we check.
Bring to the first visit
Marriage and birth certificates
A passport or ID from your country
Every paper from immigration, even old ones
Your green card or proof of citizenship, if you are the petitioner
From petition to card
Four steps, in order
- 01
Step 1: We check who qualifies
Your relationship, your status and the other person's history, before any form is filed.
- 02
Step 2: We file the petition
With the proof, the government's fee in writing and a full copy for you.
- 03
Step 3: The line moves, or it does not
Some relatives wait for a visa number. We tell you where you stand when the date moves.
- 04
Step 4: Interview and card
We prepare you for the interview, here or at a consulate, and file for the card.
Common questions
Before you file anything
Can my husband stay here while we wait?
It depends on how he entered and his history. Some spouses of citizens can apply without leaving; others must leave for an interview, which can carry a long bar. Do not travel or file anything before you talk to a lawyer.
My green card is about to expire. Do I lose my status?
No. The card expires; your status as a permanent resident does not. Renew about six months before the date, and call us if it has already passed.
Can I petition for my brother?
Yes, if you are a citizen aged 21 or older. The lines for brothers and sisters are among the longest.
What does the government charge?
Filing fees are set by the government and change from time to time. We give you the current amount in writing, and it is separate from our fee.
Tell us who you want to bring
A short conversation is enough to know which line your family is in.