For many immigrants, securing a green card (lawful permanent residence) in the United States is a major milestone. Not only does it provide the right to live and work in the country indefinitely, but it also opens the door to family sponsorship opportunities. However, green card holders (permanent residents) do not have the same sponsorship privileges as U.S. citizens.
Another pathway to obtaining a green card is through the Immigrant Investor Program, which allows foreign investors to secure permanent residence by making a substantial financial investment in a U.S. business. To qualify, individuals must invest at least $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 in a standard business venture, while also ensuring that their investment creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
The EB-5 visa requirements are particularly appealing to those who seek a direct route to permanent residency without the need for employment sponsorship or family-based petitions. Once granted their green card, these individuals can eventually sponsor eligible family members, expanding their ability to bring loved ones to the U.S. under family-based immigration categories.
Curious about bringing your family to the U.S.? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the legal requirements and sponsorship process.
Who Can a Green Card Holder Sponsor?
As a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you can sponsor certain family members for a green card, but your options are more limited than those of a U.S. citizen. Green card holders are eligible to petition for:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Unmarried children under 21 years old
- Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older)
Unlike U.S. citizens, green card holders cannot sponsor their parents, married children, or siblings for immigration. If you wish to bring these family members to the U.S., you would need to first become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
Global conflicts, such as the ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, have displaced millions of families, forcing them to flee war-torn countries in search of safety and stability. For those with family members affected by conflict, securing a green card can be a lifeline, allowing them to reunite with loved ones and provide a path to security. With discussions of a potential Ukraine ceasefire, many families are hopeful for peace, yet the uncertainty of war continues to drive the need for reliable immigration pathways. Sponsoring family members through legal channels not only strengthens familial bonds but also offers an opportunity to rebuild lives in a place of stability.
Understanding Family Preference Categories
Family-based immigration is divided into preference categories, which determines how long a sponsored relative must wait before receiving a visa. Green card holders’ sponsored family members fall into the following “family preference” categories:
F2A Category – Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders. This category usually has shorter wait times than others.
F2B Category – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of green card holders. This category generally has a longer wait time due to visa backlogs.
Since immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21) are not subject to visa caps, the wait times for LPR-sponsored relatives tend to be much longer in comparison.
The Sponsorship Process
Sponsoring a family member for a green card involves several steps. Below is an overview of the process for green card holders who want to petition for a qualifying relative:
Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The process begins by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This form establishes the familial relationship between the sponsor (green card holder) and the beneficiary (family member).
Supporting documents must be submitted, including:
Proof of the sponsor’s lawful permanent resident status (copy of green card).
Evidence of the relationship (such as marriage certificate for spouses or birth certificate for children).
Proof of any legal name changes, if applicable.
Step 2: Wait for Visa Availability
Unlike immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, family preference categories have annual visa limits, meaning beneficiaries must wait for a visa to become available.
The F2A category (spouses and children under 21) often has a shorter wait time, sometimes just a few months to a couple of years.
The F2B category (unmarried children over 21) often has a wait time of several years, depending on demand.
Step 3: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once a visa becomes available, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
The beneficiary must submit additional documents, including:
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) – The green card holder must prove they can financially support the sponsored relative.
Civil documents (e.g., birth certificates, police clearances, and passports).
Visa fees and required application forms.
Step 4: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status
If the sponsored family member is outside the U.S., they must attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country before receiving their green card.
If the family member is already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they may be able to apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to transition to a green card without leaving the country.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The time frame for bringing a family member to the U.S. depends on visa availability, processing times, and the family preference category.
Estimated Wait Times
Spouse & Unmarried Children Under 21 (F2A Category) → Typically 1-2 years
Unmarried Children 21+ (F2B Category) → Several years (often 5-10 years or more, depending on country of origin)
For the most up-to-date wait times, applicants can check the Visa Bulletin issued monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
Can a Green Card Holder Sponsor Married Children or Parents?
No. Green card holders cannot petition for:
Married children (only unmarried children qualify under the F2B category).
Parents (only U.S. citizens can sponsor parents for a green card).
Siblings (only U.S. citizens can petition for brothers and sisters).
If you want to sponsor these family members, you must first become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Once you obtain citizenship, you can file petitions for a wider range of relatives under the “immediate relative” and F3/F4 family preference categories.
Financial Responsibilities of Sponsoring a Family Member
As a sponsor, a green card holder must meet income requirements to show they can financially support their family member once they arrive in the U.S. This is done through the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), which legally binds the sponsor to support the beneficiary.
The income requirement is typically 125% of the federal poverty level, but this can vary depending on household size and location. If the sponsor does not meet the income requirement, they may need a joint sponsor to assist.
Is Sponsoring Family as a Green Card Holder Worth It?
Sponsoring a family member as a green card holder is possible but requires patience and planning. While spouses and minor children may face shorter wait times, unmarried adult children often experience long delays due to visa backlogs.
If you anticipate wanting to bring more family members to the U.S. in the future, becoming a U.S. citizen is the best long-term solution. Naturalized citizens can sponsor a wider range of family members with shorter processing times. By understanding the sponsorship process and planning ahead, you can take meaningful steps toward reuniting with your loved ones and providing them with a stable future in the U.S.