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Family-Based Green Cards

By: Jonathan N. Portner
Sameer Sidh
March 12, 2009

The most common and well known way to secure a green card is through family relation.  Depending on the type of relationship, a foreign resident may be eligible for a green card because they are related to a U.S. citizen or a green card holder.  The type of relationship is often the determining factor in how long the foreign resident must wait to secure a green card.

Immediate Relatives

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or green card holders have the advantage of having a green card immediately available to them.  For immigration purposes, immediate relatives are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the unmarried child of a U.S. that is under the age of 21, and the parent of a U.S. citizen if the child is over the age of 21.  It is important to note that where a green card is secured through being the spouse of a U.S. citizen, and the underlying marriage is less than two years old, the spouse will only receive a conditional green card and will have to apply to remove the conditions on their residence.  Fiancees of U.S. citizens who enter the U.S. on a K-1 Visa and then marry within 90 days of entry are also eligible for a green card as an immediate relative.  

Preference Relatives

All other relatives of U.S. citizens and green cards holders are considered preference relatives, and will be forced to wait for a certain period of time after they have received a priority date before they will be eligible to apply for a green card.  These relatives are divided into four groups:

1. First Preference: People who have at least one U.S. citizen parent who are over the age of 21 and are unmarried.
2. Second Preference: (2A) Spouses of green card holders and unmarried children of green card holders that are under the age of 21.  (2B) Unmarried children of green card holders that 21 years old or older.
3. Third Preference: Married children of U.S. citizens.
4. Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens that are 21 years old or older.

To determine how long you may have to wait to become eligible for a green card, check the
visa bulletin.
If you or your relative is interested in securing a green card and is eligible based on the above described criteria, the law firm of Portner & Shure will work with you to find the best possible strategy to accomplish your goals.  For questions on eligibility and requirements for securing a family-based green card, contact our office and schedule a consultation.