How to Apply for Family Reunification in the USA

How to apply for family reunification in the USA involves filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the relationship.

Reuniting with loved ones is a life-changing moment for many immigrant families. The United States offers several pathways for family reunification through its immigration system. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), you may be eligible to sponsor certain family members to join you in the U.S. This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to apply for family reunification successfully.

Step 1: Understand Who You Can Sponsor

Your ability to sponsor depends on your immigration status:

✅ If You Are a U.S. Citizen:

You can sponsor:

• Spouse
• Children (married or unmarried)
• Parents
• Siblings (brothers and sisters)

✅ If You Are a Green Card Holder:

You can sponsor:

• Spouse
• Unmarried children (of any age)

Note: Green card holders cannot sponsor parents or siblings.

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

This is the first and most important step. The Form I-130 establishes the qualifying family relationship between you (the petitioner) and your relative (the beneficiary).

Required Documents:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (passport, green card, etc.)
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
• Passport-style photos
• Filing fee (as of 2025, it’s $675 for most cases)

File the form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) either online or via mail.

Step 3: Wait for Approval & Visa Availability

Once USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for visa processing — but only if a visa is available under the visa bulletin.

Immediate Relatives (spouse, children under 21, parents of U.S. citizens):

• No wait time — visas are always available.

Family Preference Categories (siblings, married children, etc.):

• Expect long wait times — sometimes years, depending on the country of origin and category.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fees & Submit Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)

When a visa becomes available, the NVC will ask the petitioner to:

• Pay processing fees
• Submit the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) proving you can financially support your relative.
• Submit civil documents (passport, police certificates, medical exams, etc.)

Step 5: Attend Consular Interview or Adjust Status

If Your Relative Is Outside the U.S.:

• They’ll attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country.
• A visa will be issued if approved, and they can travel to the U.S.

If Your Relative Is Inside the U.S. (Certain Cases Only):

• They may file Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) to become a lawful permanent resident without leaving the country.
• Often available for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.

Step 6: Welcome Your Family Member!

Once the immigrant visa is granted or the adjustment of status is approved:

• Your relative receives a Green Card after arrival or approval.
• Congratulations — you’ve completed the family reunification process!

Tips

• Always double-check the latest processing times and fees at uscis.gov.
• Consider getting legal help if you’re sponsoring someone in a complex category (e.g., siblings or adopted children).
• Keep records of every document and communication throughout the process.

Family reunification is one of the most meaningful aspects of U.S. immigration policy. Although the process can be long and detail-oriented, having a clear understanding of each step can ease the journey. If you’re ready to reunite with your loved ones, start with Form I-130 and move forward from there, one step at a time.

📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does family reunification take in the U.S.?

It depends on the type of relationship and your immigration status. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21) typically wait 12–18 months. Family preference categories, like siblings or married children, may take several years.

2. Can I sponsor my fiancé or fiancée?

Not through family reunification, but you can apply for a K-1 fiancé visa. After marriage, within 90 days of arrival in the U.S., your spouse can apply for a green card.

3. What’s the difference between an immediate relative and a family preference category?

• Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) don’t have to wait for a visa number — they’re always available.
• Family preference categories include more distant relationships (e.g., siblings, married children) and are subject to annual visa limits.

4. Can I sponsor my stepchildren or adopted children?

Yes, under certain conditions:

• Stepchildren must have been under 18 when the marriage creating the stepparent relationship occurred.
• Adopted children must have been adopted before the age of 16 and lived with you for at least 2 years.

5. What if my relative is already in the U.S. illegally?

It’s complicated. If your relative entered without inspection, they may be ineligible to adjust status. However, waivers or other forms of relief may be available. You should consult an immigration attorney in these cases.

6. Can I sponsor more than one family member at a time?

Yes. You’ll need to submit a separate I-130 petition (and fee) for each relative.

7. What happens if I move or change jobs during the process?

You must notify USCIS of any change in your address. If your income changes, it could impact the Affidavit of Support requirements. Keep USCIS updated to avoid delays.

8. Can I speed up the process?

In general, the process takes time. However, expedited processing may be available in extreme circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, urgent humanitarian reasons). These are granted on a case-by-case basis.