The United States allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members for immigration through the family-based immigration system. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen looking to bring your spouse, children, or parents to live with you, or a green card holder sponsoring a family member, this guide explains how USA family visa sponsorship works in 2025 and beyond.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members to the USA?
To sponsor a family member, you must be either:
- A U.S. citizen (can sponsor spouse, children, parents, and siblings)
- A lawful permanent resident (green card holder) – can sponsor spouse and unmarried children
Eligible Family Members
Here are the relatives you can sponsor under family-based immigration:
- Spouse: Married partner
- Children: Unmarried children under 21 (or over 21 depending on category)
- Parents: If you’re a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old
- Siblings: U.S. citizens can sponsor brothers and sisters (longer wait times)
Step-by-Step: Sponsoring Family Members to the USA
Step 1: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
This is the first step in sponsoring a family member. As the sponsor, you must prove your relationship to the relative. The form can be filed online or by mail.
Step 2: USCIS Approval
USCIS reviews the petition. Processing times vary depending on the relationship and current immigration category. Approval confirms eligibility to apply for a green card.
Step 3: Wait for Visa Availability (If Applicable)
Immediate relatives (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens) do not wait for visa availability. Others must wait for a visa number to become current on the Visa Bulletin.
Step 4: Apply for Green Card (Form I-485 or DS-260)
- Inside the USA: Adjust status using Form I-485
- Outside the USA: Apply for immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate using Form DS-260
Step 5: Attend Biometrics and Interview
The applicant will be scheduled for biometrics (fingerprinting) and possibly an immigration interview to verify the relationship and eligibility.
Step 6: Green Card Approval
If all goes well, the family member will receive their green card and become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
Costs and Fees
- Form I-130 filing fee: $535
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,140 + $85 biometrics
- DS-260 (Consular Processing): $325 visa fee + $120 affidavit fee
- Medical exam: Varies ($200–$500)
- Attorney or immigration lawyer USA fees: $1,000–$3,500 depending on case complexity
Total visa sponsorship fee varies but expect around $1,200–$2,000 without legal assistance, and $2,500–$5,000 with a green card lawyer.
Processing Times
- Spouse/children of U.S. citizens: 10–14 months
- Parents of U.S. citizens: 12–18 months
- Relatives of green card holders: 2–3 years
- Siblings of U.S. citizens: 10–14 years (longer wait)
Financial Requirements for Sponsorship
Sponsors must meet income requirements by submitting Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). This proves that you can financially support the immigrant and prevents them from becoming dependent on public funds.
- Typically 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- You may use a joint sponsor if you don’t meet the income threshold
Benefits of Family-Based Immigration
- Path to U.S. green card and eventual citizenship
- Right to work and live permanently in the U.S.
- Access to education and healthcare
- Reunite families legally and securely
Conclusion
Family-based immigration remains one of the most effective and compassionate ways to bring loved ones to the United States. By understanding the process, preparing the correct forms, and budgeting for visa filing fees and legal support, you can successfully sponsor family to the USA. Whether you’re bringing a spouse, parent, or child, following these steps ensures a smooth journey toward lawful permanent residence.