Family Petition: Which relatives can you petition for in the United States?

Have you ever wondered who you can petition to bring your loved ones to live with you in the United States? Don't worry, we're here to answer those questions and guide you through the different family petition options!

First you need to understand this:

American CitizensPermanent Residents
American citizens have visas UNLIMITED for their immediate family members.Permanent Residents have visas LIMITED for their immediate family members.*
Immediate family members:
- Spouse.
– Civil or biological parents,
– Stepfather for those who married the biological father of the citizen before the American citizen turned 18. (Only applies to stepfathers or until the child turns 18 years old).
– Unmarried biological or civil children under 21 years of age.
Immediate family members.
– Single children under 21 years of age.
- Spouse.

NOTE: Having accumulated irregular presence makes you inadmissible for applying for Permanent Resident status.
Non-immediate relatives: (Only applies to citizens)
- Siblings.
– Married children.
*If the visa is not listed in the visa bulletin, it cannot be requested.
Adjustment of Status, which is done within the United States, cannot be requested if there is a backlog in the visa bulletin.

Now that we have that information clear, I'm going to tell you about the different family requests:

Request for Parents:
If you are a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old, you can apply for permanent residence (Green Card) for your parents (mother or father).
Please note that permanent residents cannot make this request.

Marriage Proposal:

Both citizens and residents can apply to marry their partner.
In the case of citizens, couples will be able to adjust their status (within the USA) or go through consular processing (outside the USA) without any problem.
Meanwhile, resident couples will have to choose whether to adjust their status or go through consular processing, depending on the waiting list.

Petition for Children:
Both U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their children to live and work in the United States as permanent residents.

Remember that children of residents must be under 21 years of age.

Children's Request:
To bring your sibling to live in the USA and become a permanent resident, you must be a US citizen and over 21 years of age.

Note: Permanent Residents cannot petition for siblings to be beneficiaries of the Green Card.

Parents' Request:
If you are a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old, you can apply for permanent residency (Green Card) for your parents.

Please note that permanent residents cannot make this request.

This is the perfect opportunity to get the family together. Ready to get started?

Guide to the Green Card Lottery – Win Your Permanent Residency in the United States!

Do you dream of living permanently in the United States? This is your chance! The 2025 Diversity Visa Lottery (DV-2025) is now open, and here's a complete guide on how to apply and what you need to know to increase your chances of getting a Green Card. Don't delay—the deadline to register is November 7, 2023!

55,000 Reasons to Apply

Each year, the DV-2025 program awards 55,000 diversity visas, also known as "Green Cards." These visas allow you to live and work permanently in the United States. What makes this lottery unique is that winners are selected randomly through a computerized process, giving people from all over the world the opportunity to fulfill their dream of living in the United States.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible to participate in the Green Card Lottery, you must meet two fundamental requirements:

Native of a country with low immigration rates to the United States: Not all countries are eligible to participate, as some already have a high number of immigrants in the United States. Consult the official list of eligible countries on the State Department website.

Education and work experience: You must have a high school diploma or have worked in a job that requires at least two years of training. English is not required to participate.

How to Apply?

The registration period for the Green Card Lottery begins on October 4, 2023, and ends on November 7, 2023. Don't risk missing this opportunity, as the State Department will not accept late registrations.

The application process is simple and free:

  1. Visit the official Diversity Visa Program website at dvprogram.state.gov.
  2. Complete the DV Registration Form (DS-5501) online. Be sure to provide accurate and truthful information.
  3. Save the confirmation number you will receive when you submit your application. This number is essential to verify if you have been selected.

Important: Do not submit multiple applications. Doing so will disqualify your participation in the process.

Lottery Results

The results of the Green Card Lottery for the DV-2025 program will be announced on May 4, 2024. To check if you have been selected, you will need to use the participant status checker tool on the U.S. Department of State website. Be sure to have your confirmation number handy and check the official website for your status.

If you are interested in learning more about the Green Card Lottery, we are happy to provide you with additional tips and details to increase your chances of success.

5 Ways to Get a Green Card in the United States

Often, when people think about obtaining the coveted Permanent Residency in the United States, the first option that comes to mind is a "Marriage Petition." While this is a common path, there are other lesser-known but equally effective options to achieve your goal of settling in this land of opportunity. In this article, we'll explore some of these alternatives that could open the doors to a life in the United States.

Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

One of the most traditional and well-known ways to obtain a Green Card is through marriage to a U.S. citizen. This route allows you to apply for a Green Card through the adjustment of status process. However, it is important to remember that the marriage must be genuine and cannot be used solely for immigration purposes.

Close Relatives

Another valuable option is to leverage family ties. Close relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can also apply for a Green Card through a qualifying family member. This includes spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens, as well as spouses and children of lawful permanent residents.

Investment (EB-5)

If you're a foreign investor with a business interest and are willing to make a financial commitment, the EB-5 investor visa might be the right option for you. This visa allows foreign investors to obtain a Green Card by investing a specific amount of money in a business project that creates jobs in the United States. It's a way to contribute to the country's economic development while securing your future here.

Asylum or Refuge

For those who have sought asylum or obtained refugee status in the United States, there is the possibility of applying for a Green Card after a certain period of time. This pathway offers stability and security to those who have fled difficult situations in their home countries.

Community Links or Investment in Rural Areas

Finally, specific programs such as the E-2 visa for investors or the EB-4 visa for religious workers may be viable paths to obtaining permanent residency in the United States. These options are designed for individuals with strong ties to the community or who wish to invest in rural areas of the country.

Remember: Each of these visas has different requirements and processes. The best way to determine if you are eligible and which option is right for you is to seek personalized advice from our immigration attorney.

What can you expect from a consultation with a lawyer?

  • A detailed diagnosis regarding the visa you wish to obtain.
  • An assessment of the likelihood of success in your application.
  • Access to our application platform for the process.
  • Telephone or email support to answer your questions after the consultation.
  • Please remember that all our legal consultations have an associated cost. If you are determined to obtain permanent residency in the United States, these options can offer you a variety of paths forward. Don't hesitate to contact us to begin your journey toward life in this country full of opportunities!