How Can I Bring My Family to the United States

Bringing your family to the United States is a common goal for many immigrants who want to reunite with their loved ones. The U.S. immigration system offers several pathways for family reunification, depending on your immigration status and relationship with the family members you wish to bring.

Family-Based Immigration Categories

The U.S. offers two main categories for family-based immigration:

1. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

2. Family Preference Categories

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

Immediate relatives include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. There are no annual limits on visas for immediate relatives, making this category the fastest route for family reunification.

Family Preference Categories

These categories are for more distant relatives and have annual limits, resulting in longer wait times. The categories include:

• F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and older) of U.S. citizens.

• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.

• F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and older) of lawful permanent residents.

• F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.

• F4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.

Steps to Bring Family Members to the United States

1. File a Petition

• Form I-130: File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for each family member you want to bring.

• Supporting Documents: Include proof of your relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

2. Petition Approval

• USCIS Processing: USCIS will review your petition and supporting documents. Approval times vary based on the relationship and category.

• Visa Bulletin: For family preference categories, check the Visa Bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State to see when your family member’s priority date is current.

3. Apply for a Visa

• Consular Processing: If your family member is outside the U.S., they will apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate once the petition is approved and a visa number is available.

• Adjustment of Status: If your family member is in the U.S., they can apply for a green card (adjustment of status) by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

4. Attend Interview

• Visa Interview: Your family member will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate (for consular processing) or at a USCIS office (for adjustment of status).

• Medical Examination: They will need to complete a medical examination by an approved physician.

5. Receive Visa or Green Card

• Visa Issuance: If approved, the U.S. embassy or consulate will issue an immigrant visa, allowing your family member to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

• Green Card Issuance: For those adjusting status in the U.S., USCIS will mail the green card after approval.

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Conclusion

Bringing your family to the United States involves several steps, from filing a petition to attending an interview and receiving a visa or green card. Understanding the process and following the requirements can help ensure a successful family reunification.

If you have any questions or need legal assistance with bringing your family to the United States, please contact Liang Law at (408) 780-8862. We are here to help you through every step of the process.