How to Bring Your Family to the U.S. After You Get Your Green Card

How to Bring Your Family to the U.S. After You Get Your Green Card
By the Immigration Law Team at Bogin, Munns & Munns

Earning your green card is a major milestone—and for many immigrants, it’s just the beginning. One of the most important next steps is reuniting with loved ones. If you’re a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you may be eligible to sponsor certain family members to join you in the United States. Here’s what you need to know.

Who Can You Sponsor as a Green Card Holder?

As a lawful permanent resident, you can petition for the following relatives:

• Spouse (husband or wife)

• Unmarried children under 21

• Unmarried sons and daughters over 21

Unfortunately, green card holders cannot sponsor parents, siblings, or married children until they become U.S. citizens.

How the Process Works

1. File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
   This form establishes your relationship to the person you want to bring to the U.S. You’ll need to provide documentation, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and proof of your own status as a green card holder.

2. Wait for Visa Availability
   Unlike immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, family members of green card holders fall into “preference categories.” This means they must wait for a visa number to become available, and processing times can vary.

   • F2A category (spouses and unmarried children under 21): Usually faster, but still subject to annual caps.

   • F2B category (unmarried sons and daughters over 21): Longer wait times.

3. Complete the Visa Process
   Once a visa becomes available, your family member will either:

   • Go through consular processing if they are outside the U.S., or

   • Apply for adjustment of status if they are already in the U.S. and eligible.

4. Prepare for Interviews and Background Checks
   Your family member will attend an interview and undergo security and medical screenings. Any issues—such as prior immigration violations or criminal records—could complicate the case.

What About Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

Once you become a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor more relatives—including your parents, siblings, and married children—and your existing petitions may move faster.

How We Can Help

At Bogin, Munns & Munns, our immigration attorneys help guide green card holders through the often confusing and frustrating process of family reunification. We can:

• Ensure your petition is complete and accurate

• Monitor visa bulletin changes

• Help resolve delays or denials

• Assist with citizenship applications to expand sponsorship options

Let’s Reunite Your Family

Bringing your loved ones to the U.S. can be one of the most meaningful parts of your immigration journey. Let us help you navigate the process and avoid unnecessary delays.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our immigration law team. Your future—and your family’s future—starts here.

Call or Submit Our Consultation Request Form Today