Who Can Sponsor a Relative for a Green Card?

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) or a U.S. citizen, you can potentially sponsor a relative for a green card. However, which relatives you can sponsor depends on your own status. For example, you can only sponsor a spouse or an unmarried child if you are a permanent resident. In order to sponsor other family members, such as a parent or sibling, you must be a U.S. citizen. Immediate family members qualify for priority status, meaning that the number of visas issued to immediate relatives each year is not limited. If your family member is not considered an immediate relative, they may still qualify for family preference in a prioritized order. Qualifications to sponsor a relative for a green card generally include:

• Being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• Being at least 21 years of age

• Being eligible to financially support the sponsored family member

Which Family Members Can Be Sponsored?

If you are a permanent resident, then you can sponsor:

• Your spouse

• Your Unmarried children

If you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or above, then you can sponsor:

• Your spouse

• Your  minor, unmarried children

If you are a U.S. citizen age 21 or above, then you can sponsor:

• Your spouse

• Your parents

• Your  minor, unmarried children

• Your Married or adult children, including their families

• Your Siblings

Can I Sponsor Another Relative or a Non-Relative?

Unfortunately, there is no category for an individual to sponsor another relative like an aunt, uncle, or cousin for a green card. In general, individuals also cannot petition to sponsor a non-relative. This does not mean that you cannot assist an extended family members or friends in obtaining a green card. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can file an Affidavit of Support to financially support your friend or extended family member as a part of their application. There are a number of responsibilities that accompany providing an Affidavit of Support for an immigrant, so it is important to consult with an immigration lawyer before moving forward.

Contact Hurtubise Weber Law

For more information or to schedule a consultation, get in touch with the team at Hurtubise Weber Law.