Starting the Petition Process

How Long Does the I-130 Petition Process Take?

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

Cost of I-130 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 an I-130 family visa petition may be denied, and what to do.

The I-130 Petition: Information for Family Sponsors

Learn how the I-130 fits into the family immigration application process, and other topics that commonly cause confusion.

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.

Financial Support You'll Need to Apply For a Family-Based Green Card

If you’re immigrating to the United States through a family member, or through a job where your own relatives submitted the visa petition or own at least 5% of the petitioning company, then your petitioner will also have to show that a willingness and ability to act as your financial sponsor.

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

If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and are sponsoring a family member to immigrate to the United States, you will likely need to file one or more of the I-864 Affidavit of Support forms with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The purpose is to help assure that your immigrating relative will not 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 an application for a green card.