Petition for Relatives/ Family Members

Many people become lawful permanent residents through family members.

U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents have the right to help certain family members to become lawful permanent residents of the United States by obtaining what is usually referred to as “Green Card”. To do so you need to sponsor your relative and be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your relative(s) when they come to the U.S.

Filing the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative form is the first step in petitioning for your family member. This form is to  to establish the relationship between you and the relative(s) who wish to immigrate to the United States.

U.S. citizens can petition for their:

•  “Immediate Relative”: spouse, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents.
• “Family preference category”:  Unmarried sons or daughters over the age of 21, Married child(ren) of any age, Brothers and sisters (if the U.S. citizen petitioner is over the age of 21)

Special Categories of Family:

Individuals who meet particular qualifications and/or apply during certain time frames may be able to become permanent residents.

• Battered Spouse or Child (VAWA)
• K Nonimmigrant (includes fiancé(e))
• Person Born to a Foreign Diplomat in the United States
• V Nonimmigrant
• Widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen

Click on links provided for information on fiance(e) visas or prospective adopted children.

For the full list of forms or to find out which family members you can petition for, visit USCIS.gov, or click here.

Contact UAO if you have any questions: services@uniteafricans.org or 312-949-9980