Which Family Members Can You Petition To Immigrate To The United States

I met with someone recently who was a lawful permanent resident and told me he wanted to become a United States citizen so he could petition to bring his minor children, who were overseas, to the United States. He was married to a United States Citizen and he never knew that his United States Citizen spouse could petition for his children as immediate relatives nor did he know that he could have petitioned for them the day he became a lawful permanent resident.

This article’s purpose is to briefly address which family members a lawful permanent resident or a United States Citizen can petition United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State to immigrate to the United States.

U.S. Citizens can apply on behalf of their:

1. Spouse;
2. Children, which can potentially include step-children, adopted children, and married children;
3. Parents, once the United States citizen reaches a certain age;
4. Brothers and Sisters, once the United States citizen reaches a certain age.

Lawful permanent residents can apply on behalf of their:

1. Spouse;
2. Children, at any age but only if they are unmarried.

It is important to note that there are currently long wait periods for some of these categories.

If you have any questions about petitioning USCIS on behalf of a family member, or would like assistance with applying on behalf of a family member, please contact us at 313-963-2505 .