Green Card Options for Certain Family Members of Lawful Permanent Residents

1. How can I obtain a green card for my spouse, child, or parent who is a lawful permanent resident?


You can obtain a green card for your spouse, child, or parent who is a lawful permanent resident by submitting Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must include evidence of your relationship with the person, along with the application. Once approved, the relative can apply for a green card through consular processing or adjustment of status.

2. Is my spouse eligible for a green card if they are a permanent resident of another country?


No, your spouse is not eligible for a green card if they are a permanent resident of another country. They must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States in order to apply for a green card.

3. What is the process for obtaining a green card for my spouse or child who is a permanent resident of another country?


The process for obtaining a green card for a spouse or child of a permanent resident of another country is known as consular processing. The person wishing to obtain the green card must file an application and pay a fee to USCIS. The application is then forwarded to the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center, where it is reviewed and processed. Once the application is approved, an interview at the U.S. consulate in the person’s home country is scheduled. At the interview, the applicant must provide evidence of their relationship to the U.S. permanent resident, as well as other documents to support their visa application. If approved, the person will receive their immigrant visa and can travel to the United States as a permanent resident.

4. How long does it take to get a green card for my relative who is a lawful permanent resident?


The process of getting a green card for a relative who is a lawful permanent resident can take anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on the individual case. The exact amount of time varies depending on the particular circumstances of the case and the current processing times.

5. Are there any special requirements for spouses of lawful permanent resident to obtain a green card?


Yes. Spouses of a lawful permanent resident must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After the forms are approved, the spouse will be eligible for a green card.

6. Is it possible to get an expedited green card process for certain family members of lawful permanent residents?


Yes, it is possible to get an expedited green card process for certain family members of lawful permanent residents. The general rules for expedited processing of a green card application are that it must be filed for the immediate relative of a lawful permanent resident, and the alien must have a pending visa number (this means that the government has already determined that a visa is available for the alien). In addition, there may be other requirements depending on the particular case.

7. Can I petition for a green card on behalf of my parent who is a lawful permanent resident?


No, lawful permanent residents are not eligible to petition for a green card for a parent. Only US citizens can petition for green cards for parents.

8. What documents are required to apply for a green card on behalf of my family member who is a lawful permanent resident?


The documents required to apply for a green card on behalf of a family member who is a lawful permanent resident include:

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
• Proof of how the petitioner is related to the beneficiary
• Proof of the beneficiary’s legal status in the U.S.
• Supporting evidence such as marriage or birth certificates
• Passport-style photos of the beneficiary
• Copy of the beneficiary’s valid passport and any other immigration documents
• Copy of the petitioner’s valid ID
• Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence
• Evidence of financial support, if applicable
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

9. Are there any special benefits available to family members of lawful permanent residents with a green card?


Yes. Immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) of a lawful permanent resident with a green card are eligible to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence) through a process called “adjustment of status.” In addition, lawful permanent residents are generally able to bring their family members to the United States to live and work through family-based immigration. Family members may also be eligible to apply for certain other benefits, including employment authorization, social security numbers, and travel documents.

10. Is there any financial assistance available to help pay for the costs associated with obtaining a green card?


There is no direct financial assistance available to help pay for the costs associated with obtaining a green card. However, many organizations, including major charities and government agencies, may offer grants and/or scholarships to help defray the cost of filing fees and other associated costs. Additionally, some employers may be willing to cover the cost of filing fees and other associated costs.

11. Is it possible to apply for an employment-based green card for certain family members of lawful permanent residents?


Yes, certain family members of lawful permanent residents can apply for an employment-based green card. The family members must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being a spouse or unmarried child under 21 years old of the permanent resident. The applicant must also have an approved immigrant petition from a qualifying employer.

12. Is there any age requirement for family members of lawful permanent residents applying for a green card?


Yes. Generally, spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of the lawful permanent resident are eligible to apply for a green card. Unmarried sons and daughters who are 21 years old or older may also be eligible for a green card.

13. How often must I renew my relative’s green card if they are a lawful permanent resident?


Relative green cards typically last for 10 years. Therefore, the relative would need to renew their green card every 10 years.

14. Does having a criminal record disqualify me from applying for a green card on behalf of my relative who is a lawful permanent resident?


Yes, having a criminal record can disqualify you from applying for a green card on behalf of your relative. Depending on the crime, it may be possible to get a waiver of inadmissibility to overcome this issue.

15. How can I adjust my relative’s status from temporary to permanent if they are already in the U.S.?


If your relative is already in the United States, they will have to file to adjust their status from a temporary to permanent status in the United States. This is a process that involves filing an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, your relative will need to meet certain eligibility criteria and provide supporting documents such as proof of lawful entry, proof of marriage or other qualifying relationship, and evidence of financial support. Once the application is approved, they may be able to receive their permanent resident status.

16. Is it possible to expedite the processing time of my family member’s green card application if they are already in the U.S.?


It is possible to request an expedited service for your family member’s green card application. You can contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and explain your situation. USCIS may consider the request to expedite the processing time depending on the circumstances.

17. Can I apply for an immigrant visa for my family member who is not yet in the U.S. but is a lawful permanent resident?


Yes, you can apply for an immigrant visa for your family member who is not yet in the U.S. but is a lawful permanent resident. In order to do so, you will need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the relative can apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

18. What should I do if my application for a family member’s green card is denied?


If your application for a family member’s green card is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process begins with filing a motion to reopen or reconsider the case with the immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals, depending on the situation. Additionally, you may consider seeking the help of an experienced immigration attorney to help you understand and navigate the complex legal system.

19. Are there any special considerations that must be taken into account when applying for a green card on behalf of certain family members of lawful permanent residents?


Yes, there are some special considerations that must be taken into account when applying for a green card on behalf of certain family members of lawful permanent residents. Depending on the type of family relationship, different priority dates, document requirements, and processing times may apply. Depending on the immigration status of the relative, the applicant may also be subject to certain grounds of inadmissibility that can affect the outcome of the application.

20. What happens if I fail to meet the requirements necessary to maintain my relative’s green card status?


If you fail to meet the requirements necessary to maintain your relative’s green card status, he or she may be subject to removal proceedings through the U.S. immigration court system. Removal proceedings can result in deportation and/or ineligibility for certain immigration benefits in the future.