Family-based Immigration

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Family-Based Immigration

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can sponsor certain relatives for permanent residency in the United States. This allows them to reside permanently in the United States, and eventually apply for become a citizen. The LPR card used to be green, which is where the "green card" name came from.​

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Relatives eligible for family-sponsored benefits are called “Immediate Relatives” and have different categories. This page does not list all of them, but it is important to know is that while a spouse, parent, or adult child (21years +) of a U.S. citizen is eligible for immediate sponsorship, many other categories have a wait time, in some cases for many years.

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Immigration Based on Marriage

Green cards and citizenship are not automatic upon marriage to a US citizen. However, a US citizen or LPR can apply for permanent residency for their spouse, by demonstrating that you and your immigrating spouse have a bona fide marriage. In general, a marriage that was valid where performed is considered legal unless it violates public policy, or if it was entered into for the purpose of evading immigration laws.

Green cards must be renewed periodically, and US citizenship can be requested after a defined period of time - very few benefits are acquired automatically in the immigration system, and most need to be renewed or they can be lost.

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Naturalisation / Citizenship

U.S. citizenship is the highest legal status for an individual in the United States, providing permanent allegiance to the country, protection from deportation, and full participation in civic life. It is acquired by birth in the U.S., birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents, or through the process of naturalization. Key benefits include the right to vote in federal elections, eligibility for a U.S. passport, ability to sponsor family members for immigration, access to certain federal jobs, and protection from deportation.

To be eligible for naturalization, individuals must generally be at least 18 years old, hold a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) card (green card) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), and demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence. Applicants must also show good moral character, pass a citizenship test covering U.S. history and government, and demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Once authorized, new citizens enjoy long-term stability and full legal rights that cannot be revoked, except in cases of fraud during the naturalization process.

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B-2 Visa

It is worth mentioning that the B-2 visa for pleasure (tourist) allows foreign visitors to enter the United States for a temporary (usually up to 180 days) visit for pleasure or tourism purposes. Examples of activities permitted to a B-2 visa holder include visiting friends or family, vacation, medical treatment, amateur sports or other activities, or certain short courses of study.