How to Sponsor Relative for Citizenship
Depending on your status in the U.S., you can sponsor your relatives for U.S. permanent residency (green card status). After three to five years as a permanent resident, your relative can naturalize (become a citizen). If you are a U.S. citizen, you may sponsor your spouse or fiancé(e), children, parents and siblings. If you are a permanent resident, you may sponsor your spouse, and unmarried children (regardless of age).
Steps to Sponsor Relative for Citizenship
1. Obtain the I-130 form from USCIS, either from the U.S. Embassy or from the online link in the USCIS website.
2. Fill out the I-130 form and prepare the package with the following required documents that prove your relationship with the relative, documentary proof of your U.S. citizenship or legal permanent status if you are a green card holder and necessary photographs.
3. Mail the package to the appropriate USCIS or U.S. embassy address.
4. Once you have mailed the package, you need to wait for the Notice of Action or NOA1, which is a letter from the USCIS acknowledging receipt of your package. It will include a case identification number. You can go to the USCIS website and enter your case number to follow up on your petition.
5. Once the visa petition is approved, you will receive the second Notice of Action or NOA2. The NOA2 is the notice of approval. Once you have received this, it indicates that your I-130 process is complete.
6. After USCIS approves the application, your relative must:
- Apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, if he or she is abroad
- Submit Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if he or she is in the U.S.
7. Once the I-485 application is approved, your relative will received his or her green card.
8. After three or five years, your relative may apply for naturalization (U.S. citizenship). Persons who have gained status through marriage need only wait three years. All others need wait five years.
