Who Can I Sponsor for a Green Card? (Updated)
The topic of who a green card holder or a U.S. Citizen may sponsor seems to be a very popular one. Thus far, it has drawn the most comments and questions to date. I wrote the original post in December 2007 to help folks identify which relatives they could sponsor. That information has not changed, so make sure you read that post. What does change from time to time are the current wait times. Current wait times or “priority dates” are updated every month by the State Department in a document known as the Visa Bulletin. Times can advance, but they can also go backwards which can be very frustrating for those who are awaiting green cards and the family members who have sponsored them. To illustrate how far (or in some cases how little) the times have advanced, I have outlined the preference categories and current average waiting periods are below. Please note these are approximated.
| Preference Relative | Preference Category | Average Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| Unmarried Son/Daughter 21 & over of U.S. Citizen | Family First Preference | 7 Years (16 Years for Mexico & Philippines) |
| Husband/Wife and Children of Green Card Holder | Family Second Preference (A) | 7 Years for Husband/Wife and children under 21 |
| Unmarried Son/Daughter 21 & over of Green Card Holder | Family Second Preference (B) | 8.5 Years (16.5 Years for Mexico and 11.5 Years for Philippines) |
| Married Son/Daughter of U.S. Citizen | Family Third Preference | 8.5 Years (16.5 Years for Mexico and 15 Years for Philippines) |
| Brother/Sister of U.S. Citizen | Family Fourth Preference | 11 Years (14 Years for Mexico/23 Years for Philippines) |
Countries such as Mexico, India and the Philippines may have longer waiting times since the demand for immigrant visas are higher than in other countries. In comparing the wait times noted from a little over a year ago in the last post, unfortunately, not much progress has been made. In many cases, although a year has passed, advances in the wait times have only moved forward by a couple of months.
347 responses to "Who Can I Sponsor for a Green Card? (Updated)"
10:02 on February 22nd, 2009
I received my green card on 02/21/09. My son has 25 and he is living at USA with a F1 visa which is going to finish on 06/30/2009 becasue he s going to graduate from College. Now that I am a Green card holder can I sponsor my son to get his Green card? If yes he can work meanwhile the proccesing time?
Amparo Ospina
20:16 on March 16th, 2009
I want to know how I go about sponsor my husband if his Visa no longer no good anymore.
10:48 on April 6th, 2009
I am a US citizen, 24 years of age and I live in Iran. Can I apply for green cards for my parents, while I am in Iran?
1:17 on April 14th, 2009
Response to Comment From Maryam 2009/04/06 at 10:48am
I am a US citizen, 24 years of age and I live in Iran. Can I apply for green cards for my parents, while I am in Iran?
_________
Thanks for your comment Maryam. While you have been in Iran, have you paid your federal income taxes? USCIS will ask for your last year of tax returns if you file for your parents. If you haven’t filed, that may pose a problem as you have to show that you can support your parents. I would advise speaking with an accountant familiar with U.S. Citizens living overseas.
Vida Gosrisirikul
9:44 on April 15th, 2009
I have a 15-year-old daughter who is a US citizen. When should should we start preparations for her to sponsor me for a green card? Also, approximately how long will it take for me to get the green card from the filing date? Deeply appreciate your help.
0:39 on August 29th, 2009
Response to Comment from Youry 2009/04/15 at 9:44am
I have a 15-year-old daughter who is a US citizen. When should should we start preparations for her to sponsor me for a green card? Also, approximately how long will it take for me to get the green card from the filing date? Deeply appreciate your help.
___________
Youry,
Thanks for your message. Your daughter may sponsor you when she turns 21 years of age. Since your daughter and you would be considered immediate relatives, then the wait is just the time that the USCIS office is taking to process petitions of that type at that particular time that you make your application. Where I am in Chicago, it’s been pretty quick – just a few months – and usually no interview is required.
Vida Gosrisirikul
22:59 on March 15th, 2010
Hi Vida Gosrisirikul,
I have been living in the U.S for 12 years as a permanent residence with my husband and three kids. The problem is that my father who sponsor me, didn\’t go to a lawyer instead he went to a notary who help him fill my application. The notary made a error and said that I didn\’t had a children at the time of my application. I was under 21 and wasn\’t marry, neither was I with my babies father).Now I want to applied for my children(2 daughters 18yr and 20yrs ,and a son 17yr old) and my husband, the father of my kids( who later in the U.S meet and got marry with).My question is would I have a problem when I fill the N-400 (U.S citizenship application, I think) because I am going to said that I have a husband and three children and there also living in the U.S. Is there anything that can do to fix this error before I apply for the citizenship.
I will appreciated your response very much.
Thank you
Yesenia
21:57 on April 5th, 2010
Yesenia,
Since it was your father’s application that didn’t include the proper information, I don’t know that this issue alone should prevent you from applying, but the main question is, did these children enter the U.S. legally? If you met your husband in the U.S., weren’t these children born in the U.S.? If the children are born here, then they are U.S. Citizens automatically. If you need more specific answers, I would suggest you contact our office for a formal consultation.
Vida
This reply is not intended as legal advice, but is for general information purposes. It in no way creates an attorney/client relationship. If you wish to retain us, please contact our office directly through e-mail: vidago@mrdglaw.com or by calling our office.