Many people from different countries want to immigrate to the United States with a permanent green card. Family-based immigration is one of the most common ways to get a green card for becoming a permanent citizen of the U.S. 

Family-based Immigration petition:

I-30 petition is the first step to apply for a family-based green card for Alien relatives. It is a familial relationship that exists between the petitioner and the beneficiary. After filing the form I-30, the USCIS will take time to process it and determine the eligibility for a family-based green card. If USCIS approves the petition I-30, you will immediately get your immigrant visa. The next step will be applying for status adjustment and consular processing.

Processing time of Form I-30:

The processing time of petition I-30 will depend on your relationship with the applicant or from which country you apply. Processing time for spouses and unmarried child is between thirteen to thirty-five months. 

Who are not likely to apply for I-30?

The following members do not file for 1-30 petitions:

  • Grandparents, nephew, niece, grandchild, parent-in-law. 
  • Adopted parent and adopted child.
  • Your relatives for immigration purposes.

Application for a family-based green card:

An immigrant visa allows a close relative of the applicant to join them in the U.S. Immediate family member includes Parent, child, spouse, and sibling. Other family members who are eligible to apply for a green card are as follows:

  • Form F1 applies to unmarried daughters and sons above the age of twenty-one.
  • Form F2A is used to apply for her spouse, daughters, and sons under the age of twenty-one years.
  • The applicant uses Form F3 to apply for a permanent green card for married children.
  • Likewise, Form F4 is used to apply for a sibling for U.S. citizenship.

To apply for a family-based green card, you must require fulfilling the following categories:

  • Firstly, file Form I-485 properly.
  • If USCIS approves Form I-485, you become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
  • The immigrant visa is given to the applicant as a permanent resident.
  • Your physical presence is essential in the U.S., inspected by the USCIS properly.

Document required to apply for a family-based green card: You need to submit the following evidence to get a family-based green card: 

  • Application for permanent residence and adjustment of status.
  • A copy of your birth, marriage, and adoption certificate shows your relationship with the applicant.
  • A copy of your approval Form I-797 or the applicant’s green card Form I-485.
  • Two passport-size images.
  • A copy of your government identity with a passport-size photograph.
  • A copy of your birth certificate.
  • A copy of passport page with nonimmigrant visa and admission stamp.
  • Copies of arrival, departure, United States custom, border protection, admission stamp, travel document, and Form I-94.
  • Evidence shows that you continuously maintain law status after arriving in the United States.
  • Copy of Form I-864 or I-864EZ, which is affidavit support or under section affidavit support of 213A act.
  • Your proper medical examination and vaccination records.
  • Your police, court, criminal charges, and arrest records.
  • Documents of Form I-601, I-212, J-1, and J-2 for nonimmigrant status.
  • Submit the fee of certain forms as required by USCIS.

Family-Based Green Card application process:

The processing time for an immediate relative is about five to twelve months which is a short processing time. Once USCIS approves Form 1-30, you are not required to wait for a visa because you will immediately get your lawful resident visa. This visa is for close family members like spouses, unmarried children, and parents. For a married child, the processing time will be long. Moreover, the process for other family members is complicated because they did not get automatic visas. They need to wait until Form I-30 gets approval for their visa. The processing time is between twelve months to thirty-six months. Sometimes, it also takes five to ten years of processing time.

Eligibility for family-based green card sponsorship:

The eligibility for family-based green card sponsorship is as follows:

  • You are a close relative of the applicant (mentioned above).
  • If you are maintaining your principal residence in the U.S.
  • Being a sponsor, you must show your capability and readiness to financially support the arriving family in the U.S.
  • You must sign the affidavit of support for arriving family.
  • Your income must show your capacity to support every member dependent on you.

Requirements for family-based green cards: The family-based green card requirements include:

  • An essential requirement of a green card is that the applicant must belong to the U.S. and have a proper verified residential address or status. 
  • Applicants do not have any criminal records.
  • Evidence shows the family relations with the applicant.
  • To apply, the child must show their birth certificate.

Cost for a family-based green card:

There is a different fee for the petitioner and applicant to process a family-based green card. Following is the main fee structure which must be paid:

  • Fee for I-30 for the relative alien petition.
  • Payment for the Form DS-260.
  • Cost for medical examination.
  • Fee for vaccination records.
  • The price to get all the documents.
  • USCIS charges an immigrant fee that must be paid after the approval of Form I-30.

 

References:

  • https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-family-preference-immigrants
  • https://visaguide.world/us-visa/green-card/family-based/
  • https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/form-i-130-explained/