Applying for a family-based green card is one of the most common ways for people to become lawful permanent residents of the United States. If you're a U.S. citizen or a green card holder looking to bring your family members to the U.S., filing a family petition is the first step.

But how does the process work? What forms do you need? How long does it take? Don't worry—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully file a family petition for a green card in 2025.

What is a Family Petition?

A family petition is the process of sponsoring a family member to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) in the U.S. This is done through Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which establishes the relationship between the petitioner (the U.S. citizen or green card holder) and the beneficiary (the family member seeking the green card).

There are two main categories for family-based green cards:

1. Immediate Relatives – These include spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens. There are no visa limits for these applicants.
2. Family Preference Categories – This includes adult children, siblings, and relatives of green card holders. These applicants face annual visa limits, which can result in waiting times.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Family Petition for a Green Card

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before starting the process, confirm that you’re eligible to petition for your relative.

✅ Who can file?

• U.S. citizens can petition for:
  • Spouses
  • Parents (if the petitioner is over 21)
  • Unmarried children (under 21)
  • Married or unmarried adult children
  • Siblings (if the petitioner is over 21)
• Green card holders can petition for:
  • Spouses
  • Unmarried children of any age

❌ Who cannot apply?

• Grandparents, cousins, aunts/uncles, and other extended relatives do not qualify for sponsorship.

Step 2: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

The first official step is to complete and submit Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

📌 What do you need?

• Completed Form I-130
• Proof of your U.S. citizenship or green card status (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
• Proof of your relationship with the beneficiary (marriage certificate, birth certificates, or other legal documents)
• Passport-sized photos of both petitioner and beneficiary
• Form filing fee ($535 as of 2025)

Step 3: Wait for USCIS Processing

Once your I-130 is submitted, USCIS will review your case. Processing times vary based on relationship type and workload.

📌 Estimated USCIS processing times in 2025:

• Immediate Relatives: 6-12 months
• Family Preference Categories: 1-10+ years (depends on visa bulletin availability)

💡 Pro Tip: You can check your case status at USCIS Case Status Online using your receipt number.

Step 4: Wait for Visa Availability (For Family Preference Categories)

If you are sponsoring a family preference category relative, they must wait for a visa number to become available. Check the Visa Bulletin monthly to see if their priority date is current.

⏳ Immediate relatives do NOT have to wait—they move directly to the next step.

Step 5: File for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) OR Consular Processing

Once the I-130 is approved and a visa is available, the next step depends on whether the beneficiary is inside or outside the U.S.

✅ If the beneficiary is inside the U.S.:

• File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
• Pay filing fee ($1,140 as of 2025)
• Attend a biometrics appointment
• Go through a USCIS interview

✅ If the beneficiary is outside the U.S.:

• The case will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC)
• Pay visa processing fees and submit Form DS-260
• Attend a medical exam and consular interview at the U.S. embassy

Step 6: Attend the Interview

📌 What to expect in the interview?

• The officer will verify the authenticity of the relationship
• Questions about family, employment, and living situation
• Review of original documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, financial support proof)

💡 Tip: Be honest and provide consistent answers. Any red flags (inconsistent responses, missing documents) can result in delays or denials.

Step 7: Receive Your Green Card

Once approved, the beneficiary will either:

• Receive their green card in the mail (if adjusting status in the U.S.)
• Get an immigrant visa stamped in their passport (if applying from abroad), allowing them to travel to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

🎉 Congrats! Your family member is now a green card holder!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚨 Incomplete Forms: Missing information on I-130 or I-485 can lead to delays or rejections.
🚨 Lack of Proof of Relationship: Insufficient evidence can result in additional scrutiny or denial.
🚨 Not Checking the Visa Bulletin: For preference categories, failing to track priority dates can cause unnecessary waiting.
🚨 Missing Interview Documents: Forgetting to bring original documents can delay approval.

How to Speed Up the Family Petition Process

⏩ File everything correctly the first time – Ensure all required documents are included.
⏩ Use premium processing (if available) – While I-130 doesn’t have premium processing, later steps like I-140 (employment-based) do.
⏩ Track your case online – Use USCIS case status tools to monitor progress.
⏩ Request an expedite (if eligible) – USCIS may approve expedites for humanitarian reasons or severe financial hardship.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to process Form I-130?

Processing times vary from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the case type.

2. Can I file Form I-130 online?

Yes, U.S. citizens can file Form I-130 online for certain cases.

3. Can a green card holder sponsor their parents?

No, only U.S. citizens can sponsor parents for green cards.

4. What happens after Form I-130 is approved?

The case moves to NVC processing for visa issuance or adjustment of status.

5. Can I work while waiting for a family-based green card?

If eligible, apply for Form I-765 (Work Authorization) while awaiting approval.

6. What if my petition is denied?

You can appeal, reapply, or provide additional evidence.

Final Thoughts: Bringing Your Loved Ones to the U.S.

Filing a family petition for a green card is a process that requires patience, organization, and careful attention to details. Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, understanding the steps and expected wait times can help set realistic expectations.

✔ Start early
✔ Double-check your documents
✔ Stay informed on visa bulletin updates
✔ Be prepared for interviews

With the right approach, you can reunite your family in the U.S. and create new opportunities for your loved ones.

📢 Have questions about the family petition process? Drop them in the comments below!