Helping a family member immigrate to the United States is one of the most meaningful things you can do, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
You might assume that if someone is “like family,” you can sponsor them for a green card. But U.S. immigration law has strict definitions of who qualifies, and knowing the rules up front can save you time, money, and heartbreak.
At Brudner Law, we help families reunite through legal immigration channels, offering clarity and guidance every step of the way.
Here’s a practical guide to who you can help immigrate to the U.S., how the process works, and what to watch out for before starting a family-based immigration case.
Sponsoring a relative isn’t just about filling out forms. It’s a legal process—and a financial promise.
When you sponsor someone, you’re agreeing to:
If the person you sponsor receives certain government benefits, the U.S. government may ask you to reimburse those costs.
That’s why it’s so important to be prepared—and to know exactly who qualifies for sponsorship.
The U.S. government separates family-based immigration into two groups: immediate relatives and family preference categories. The difference matters because it affects both eligibility and wait time.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor the following immediate family members without waiting for a visa number:
These categories are not subject to annual visa limits, which means they usually move through the system faster than other family members.
Want to know more? Check out this USCIS guide.
U.S. citizens can also petition for:
These categories have annual limits and long waiting periods, sometimes several years, depending on the country of origin.
Green card holders cannot sponsor married children, parents, or siblings.
For a full overview, check the USCIS green card family preference breakdown.
U.S. immigration law only allows sponsorship of certain family relationships. You cannot petition for:
Even if someone is like family to you, the law requires a specific blood, legal, or marital relationship to sponsor them. Trying to sponsor an ineligible person could lead to delays or denials—and could hurt your chances of sponsoring others in the future.
Before you file anything, it’s important to understand how the process works and what factors affect the timeline.
Immediate relatives don’t have to wait for a visa number. But all other categories do—and some countries, like Mexico, the Philippines, and India, have backlogs that can stretch for years.
Check the current visa bulletin to see where your family category stands.
To sponsor a family member, you must show that your household income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (100% if you’re active duty military sponsoring a spouse or child).
If your income is too low, you may need a joint sponsor or proof of assets.
Want to estimate your requirements? Here’s a helpful chart from USCIS.
Visitors, students, and undocumented individuals cannot file family-based green card petitions. You must have lawful permanent residency or U.S. citizenship to act as a sponsor.
You’ll need to prove both your legal status and your family relationship. This usually includes:
Mistakes—like wrong names, missing forms, or inconsistent dates—can lead to long delays or denial.
At Brudner Law, we help families navigate the U.S. immigration system with honesty, care, and attention to detail.
We’ve worked with clients across California and the U.S. to:
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’re here to make the process feel less overwhelming—and help you bring your loved ones home.
Want to know more about our approach? Explore Brudner Law’s family immigration services.
Helping a loved one immigrate is one of the most generous and personal things you can do. But doing it right takes more than good intentions—it takes legal accuracy, clear planning, and the right support.
If you’re considering sponsoring a relative, don’t leave it to chance.
We’ll help you take the right steps, so you and your family can move forward together.
Embrace your Future with Brudner Law
