Can I sponsor my family members for green cards?

Yes, as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may be able to sponsor certain family members for green cards, which would allow them to live and work permanently in the United States. The family members you can sponsor depend on your immigration status.


If you are a U.S. citizen, you may be able to sponsor the following family members for green cards:

  1. Spouse

  2. Children (unmarried and under 21 years of age)

  3. Parents (if you are 21 years of age or older)

  4. Siblings (if you are 21 years of age or older)




If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may be able to sponsor the following family members for green cards:

  1. Spouse

  2. Children (unmarried and under 21 years of age)





To sponsor a family member for a green card, you must first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition process and required documentation will vary depending on your relationship with the family member and your immigration status. Additionally, there are limits on the number of family-sponsored green cards that can be issued each year, and the processing time for these applications can be lengthy.

It is also important to note that sponsoring a family member for a green card comes with certain financial responsibilities, as you will be required to demonstrate that you can financially support the family member until they become a U.S. citizen or are credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work.