Green Card through Family Preference

The Family-Based Green Card allows foreign nationals to become lawful permanent residents through sponsorship by eligible relatives who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs). It is one of the primary immigration pathways and provides the right to live, work, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

Who is the Visa for?

Two main categories:

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens (no visa cap, fastest processing)

  • Spouses of U.S. citizens

  • Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens

  • Parents of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be 21+)

Family Preference Categories (subject to annual quotas and visa backlogs)

  • F1: Unmarried adult sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens

  • F2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of LPRs

  • F2B: Unmarried adult sons and daughters (21+) of LPRs

  • F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens

  • F4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be 21+)

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must have a qualifying family relationship with a U.S. citizen or LPR

  • Must be the beneficiary of Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) filed by the sponsoring family member

  • Must prove the relationship is genuine and legally valid

  • Must meet admissibility requirements (no major criminal, fraud, or health-related bars)

  • Visa availability depends on priority date and visa bulletin category (except immediate relatives)

Visa Duration:

  • Green card valid for 10 years (permanent)

  • Renewable indefinitely

  • If based on marriage under 2 years old → conditional 2-year green card (Form I-751 required later)

Processing Time:

  • Immediate Relatives: 12–24 months

  • Family Preference: Several years+ (quota-based)

  • EAD/AP: 3–6 months (if AOS in U.S.)

OpenSphere Services:

  • Petition Prep: Form I-130 + relationship strategy

  • AOS/Consular Guidance

  • Evidence Compilation: Docs & affidavits

  • Full Support: RFE/NOID to approval