Family-based Green Card

If you’re a foreign national hoping to obtain a permanent residency visa in the United States, you may have heard about family-based green cards. A family-based green card is a federal immigration document that allows family members of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to legally come to and work in the United States. Those who are eligible for a family-based green card can also receive nonimmigrant visas, such as visitor visas or student visas.

What is a Family-based Green Card?

A family-based green card is a federal immigration document issued to family members of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. It grants the recipient permission to legally live and work in the United States, and can be obtained through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Who is Eligible for a Family-based Green Card?

In general, a foreign national is eligible for a family-based green card if they have a qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This includes:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Unmarried or married children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Parents of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (21 years or older)
• Siblings of U.S. citizens or permanent residents (21 years or older)
• Fiancé/Fiancée of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Relatives with special immigration status (such as orphans or refugees)

In addition, there are some cases where a foreign national may qualify for a family-based green card without having a direct qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. For example, if a foreign national is the brother or sister of a U.S. citizen but does not meet the requirements of a direct qualifying relationship, they may still be eligible for a family-based green card if they can prove certain financial or medical requirements.

How to Apply for a Family-based Green Card?

The process for applying for a family-based green card is similar to the process for applying for any other type of immigration visa. The U.S. citizen or permanent resident must first file a petition on behalf of their family member. Once the petition is approved, the foreign national can apply for their visa. The foreign national must provide evidence of their relationship to the U.S. citizen or permanent resident, including documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other evidence as needed.

What Is the Cost and Timeline for a Family-based Green Card?

The cost of a family-based green card depends on the individual’s situation. The typical cost is around $1,200, plus additional fees for biometric scans and other requirements. It is important to note that the fees for a family-based green card are non-refundable.

The timeline for a family-based green card depends on the type of visa and the individual’s situation. Generally, the application and processing time takes between three months to six months.

What Are the Benefits of a Family-based Green Card?

There are numerous benefits to obtaining a family-based green card. The most obvious is that it grants a foreign national the legal right to work in the United States. It is also a way for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their families in the United States. Additionally, those who are able to obtain a family-based green card can also apply for certain public benefits, such as healthcare and social security.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a family-based green card?
• Who is eligible for a family-based green card?
• How to apply for a family-based green card?
• What is the cost and timeline of a family-based green card?
• What are the benefits of a family-based green card?

Answers

• A family-based green card is a federal immigration document issued to family members of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, which grants them permission to live and work in the United States.
• In general, a foreign national is eligible for a family-based green card if they have a qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This can include spouses, unmarried or married children, parents of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, siblings, fiancé/fiancée, or relatives with special immigration status.
• The process for applying for a family-based green card is the same as applying for any other type of immigration visa. The U.S. citizen or permanent resident must first file a petition on behalf of their family member, and the foreign national can then apply for their visa.
• The cost of a family-based green card is typically around $1,200, plus additional fees for biometric scans and other requirements. The timeline for a family-based green card depends on the type of visa and the individual’s situation, but generally takes between three and six months.
• The benefits of obtaining a family-based green card include the legal right to work in the United States, the ability to reunite with family in the U.S., and access to certain public benefits, such as healthcare and social security.

Conclusion

Family-based green cards are a great way for family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents to legally live and work in the United States. In order to qualify for a family-based green card, an individual must have a qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The process for applying for a family-based green card is similar to any other type of visa, and the cost and timeline depends on the individual’s situation. Those who are able to obtain a family-based green card can enjoy a variety of benefits, such as the legal right to work in the United States, the ability to reunite with family in the U.S., and access to certain public benefits.