Starting the Petition Process

How Long Does the I-130 Petition Process Take?

An overview of the timeline to USCIS approval of an I-130 petition for immigrant family members.

Cost of Family Immigration Petition: Lawyer and Filing Fees

Learn about the costs of the I-130 petition process used to initiate a family member's application for a green card.

Who Can a Citizen Help to Immigrate to the U.S.?

Native-born and naturalized U.S. citizens can help a number of family members immigrate permanently (get a green card) to the United States.

How Long Does It Take to Sponsor a U.S. Citizen's Family Member for a Green Card?

An overview of the various factors that determine the time it will take to get a green card for a foreign family member.

If Your I-130 Petition Is Denied By USCIS

Why USCIS might refuse to grant an I-130 family visa petition for a family immigrant, and what to do next.

The I-130 Petition: Information for Family Sponsors

Learn how the I-130 fits into the family immigration application process.

Income Requirements to Sponsor an Immigrant for a U.S. Green Card

To sponsor a family member immigrating to the U.S., certain income and eligibility criteria must be met, and the petitioner must submit an I-864 Affidavit of Support.

How to Complete USCIS Form I-864 When Sponsoring an Immigrant

Find step-by-step tips on filling out the Affidavit of Support form.

How Much Financial Support Immigrants Need for a Family-Based Green Card

People immigrating to the U.S. through family or through an employer that's owned by family will have to show that the U.S. petitioner is willing and able to act as financial sponsor.

Preparing I-864 Affidavit of Support Forms: Which One Must I Use?

When sponsoring a family member for U.S. immigration, you might need to file an I-864 Affidavit of Support to show that they won't become a public charge.

Conditional Residents: When to File I-751 Form With USCIS

Timing the filing of you I-751 petition is important. Filing to early can delay your green card, and filing too late can lead to serious problems with USCIS.

Documents Needed for Filing an I-751 Form With USCIS

Learn about the documents you'll need to prove your right to go from conditional to permanent resident.

Why I-751 Applications Are Denied - And What You Can Do About It

How to prepare an I-751 to minimize the chances of denial of permanent residence, and your legal options if it happens.

I-751 Waiver for Conditional U.S. Residents in a Divorce

How a divorcing conditional resident may be able to succeed with a marriage-based application for a green card.