A family-based Green Card allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for permanent residency in the United States.

U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) are eligible. Other relatives may qualify under the family preference system.

Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) have no annual visa cap. Family preference categories have annual limits and longer waiting times.

The process involves filing a petition (Form I-130) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and then applying for a Green Card (Form I-485) if the visa is available. There are two types of green card filing processes: one is consecutive filing, used when applicants are already in the United States, and the other is consular notification, which allows processing of green card applications even when the applicant is outside the United States

Processing times vary depending on the relationship and the applicant’s country of origin. Immediate relatives generally have shorter processing times compared to those in family preference categories.

Common documents include proof of the family relationship, sponsor’s proof of citizenship or residency, financial support documents, and the applicant’s identification and background information.