Are you a U.S. citizen who wants to bring a family member to the U.S. so they can become a lawful permanent resident? When a foreign national becomes a lawful permanent resident of the United States, it means they are granted the privilege of living and working in the United States permanently.

If you want your family member to become a lawful permanent resident based on the fact that you are a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident, you will need to sponsor your relative and prove that you have enough income or assets to support them when they are in the United States.

What types of visas are there?

The purpose of your relative's intended travel to the U.S. and other facts shall determine which type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. Here are some examples:

• Spouse of a U.S. citizen: IR1, CR1
• Fiancé of a U.S. citizen: K-1
• Certain relatives of U.S. citizens: IR2, CR2, IR5, F1, F3, and F4
• Certain relatives of lawful permanent residents: F2A, F2B

An immigration lawyer from this directory can help you determine which visa category is the most suitable for your circumstances.

In order to be successful, you (the relative sponsor) and your family member (the intending immigrant), must complete specific steps in the immigration process in order to bring your relative to the United States.

Contact an immigration attorney who can help you file an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. Your lawyer will show you how to demonstrate that you have adequate income or assets to support your family member, and how to accept legal responsibility for financially supporting them by signing an Affidavit of Support. Once these steps are complete, your relative shall apply for an immigrant visa.

For the legal advice you need, reach out to an immigration attorney near you!