Frequently Asked Immigration Question
If I am a green card holder or a U.S. Citizen, can I sponsor my spouse?
Yes, you can. There is a visa number
There are two ways in which one can sponsor his or her family for immigration to the U.S. That is, there are two categories through which you can obtain a family-based immigrant visa.
Category 1 - Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas (Unlimited)
In this category, one can obtain a visa based on a close family relationship with a U.S. Citizen.
- IR-1: Spouse of the U.S. Citizen
- IR-2: Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of a U.S. Citizen
- IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen
- IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen
- IR-5: Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old
Category 2 - Family Preference Immigrant Visas (Limited)
In this category, one can obtain a visa for a specific or a distant family member who has a relationship with a U.S. Citizen or a green card holder.
- Family first preference: Unmarried sons or daughters, and their minor children, of a U.S. Citizen.
- Family second preference: Spouses, minor children, unmarried sons or daughters (21 and over).
- Family third preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens, and their spouses and minor children.
- Family fourth preference: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age.
The process can sometimes be tedious and complex. There are many factors to eligibility. We suggest you contact the team at Karim Law to thoroughly understand the process of sponsoring a family member for immigration to the United States.