Family Request: Time - 40 mins

Family Petition

What is the family petition?

It is a request made to the US government so that a member of your family can live legally in the country and obtain a Green Card, which is like a residence card.

Who can apply?
Close relatives of US citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents.

-Family members of people who already have permanent residence.
-Fiancees or children of fiancés of US citizens.
-Widowers of US citizens.
-People who file a petition for themselves under the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act).

Steps to follow:
1. Identify the relationship: You must know how your family member is related to you and if that relationship qualifies for the application.
2. Complete the I-130 form: This is the first official step and it is important to get it right.
3. Understand the details: Know waiting times, how much it costs, what documents you need and how
prepare for the interview.

Types of family categories:
-Immediate family member: There is no limit on the number of visas available for these cases.
-Family preference: There are a limited number of visas each year for certain family members, such as children
married or siblings of US citizens, and for spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of permanent residents.

Where is your family member?
-If you are already in the US, an adjustment of status is made.
-If you are in another country, a consular procedure is carried out.

Remember, this information is only to help you understand the process. This content has been intended for informational purposes only, is general information and is shared for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice or legal advice for any case.