How Can I Help My Family Member Immigrate?
Call Seattle Family Law if you need help with your family immigration issues.
Your status determines which relatives (or future relatives such as a fiancé(e) or prospective adopted child) may be eligible to receive immigration benefits. In order to help a family member immigrate to the United States, you must be a:
- U.S. citizen
- Permanent resident (green card holder)
- Refugee admitted as a refugee within the past 2 years or asylee granted asylum within the past 2 years
As a U.S. citizen, you may petition for certain family members based on your relationship.
Relatives for Whom You (U.S. Citizen) May Petition and Related Benefits and Required Forms
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Type of Relative for Whom You May Petition
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Immigration Benefit
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Related Forms
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- Spouse
- Children (unmarried and under 21)
- Sons and daughters (married and/or 21 or over)
- Parents, if you are 21 or over
- Siblings, if you are 21 or over
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Permanent Residency (Green Card)
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Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
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Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
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Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
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- A fiancé(e) residing outside the United States and children of fiancé(e) under 21
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Fiancé(e) Visa
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- Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
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- Spouse
- Children of spouse (unmarried and under 21)
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K-3/K-4 Nonimmigrant Visa
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Family of Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
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As a permanent resident (green card holder), you may petition for certain family members to immigrate to the United States as permanent residents.
You May Petition For The Following Family Members:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried son or daughter of any age
Application Process
To obtain a green card for your family member, you must:
- File Form I-130
- Provide proof of your status to demonstrate that you are a permanent resident.
- Submit evidence of the qualifying relationship such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc. See the form instructions for specific documents required.
- Submit proof of any legal name change for you or your family member (the beneficiary).
See the instructions for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for detailed instructions.
If you or a member of your family is in the U.S. military special conditions may apply to your situation.