There are various ways to be eligible for permanent immigration to the United States. Political asylum, investment-based immigration, and employment-based immigration are all common ways to become a permanent resident, but family-based immigration is probably the most common way that people earn their Green Cards. Here is a look at the requirements for family-based immigration, for both sponsors and beneficiaries. If you are trying to obtain a Green Card for yourself or a family member, speak with an immigration lawyer in Phoenix today.
Sponsor Requirements
In order to sponsor a relative to immigrate to the United States, you must either be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States. You will be required to provide documentation proving your status. You must have a qualifying family relationship with the beneficiary, or the person on whose behalf the petition for immigration is filed. You must also prove that you can support your family, your relative, and all other sponsored family members at 125 percent above the mandated poverty line. Your immigration lawyer can help you submit the proper documents and forms needed to petition for a relative's immigration.
Beneficiary Requirements
As an immigrant, you will need to have a qualifying family relationship with a sponsor in the United States to become a permanent resident. You qualify for a Green Card if you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, which includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizen petitioners 21 or older. You may also qualify as a family member of a U.S. citizen fitting into a preference category, such as unmarried sons or daughters over the age of 21, married children of any age, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens 21 or older. Speak with an immigration attorney in Phoenix to learn more about eligibility requirements for obtaining your Green Card through family.