One of the biggest accomplishments possible for someone hoping to immigrate to the United States of America or make the USA their new home is the process of adjusting their status and securing a Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card.
Once you have your Green Card, you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States with all the protections and rights that entails. With that status, one of the rights you receive involves the potential to sponsor certain family members for entry into the country via a family immigration visa program.
Lawful permanent residents can qualify for a family immigration visa
There are three primary forms of family immigration. One involves family members who enter the country when a loved one comes to the United States on a work visa. Another involves United States citizens bringing direct family members into the country. The third family immigration option can benefit both citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Lawful permanent residents have the right to participate in the Family Preference program. The visas available through this program are only options for a spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21 of a lawful permanent resident.
The same program can also allow American citizens to bring in other relatives, such as their siblings. Unlike some other forms of family immigration, there is a specific annual limit on the number of Family Preference visas awarded each year. That makes it a competitive process, especially given that the program is for both citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Bringing family members into the United States takes patience, resources and paperwork, but with determination and the right help, lawful permanent residents can potentially bring their loved ones to live with them in the United States.