VISA GUIDE
GREEN CARD
Permanent residency through a US citizen or Green Card holder relative
Family-based immigrant visas — like spousal (CR1/IR1) or sibling categories — let a US citizen or permanent resident sponsor a relative for a green card. Processing time depends heavily on the relationship category and, for most categories, the Visa Bulletin priority date.
Unlike work visas, family-based cases route through the National Visa Center (NVC) and, for most categories other than spouses of US citizens, involve a wait tied to annual numerical limits — which is why priority dates and the Visa Bulletin come up so often in these FAQs.
ELIGIBILITY
WHO THIS VISA IS FOR
A qualifying family relationship to a US citizen or green card holder
An approved Form I-130 petition
For most categories, a priority date that has become current per the Visa Bulletin
THE PROCESS
STEP BY STEP TIMELINE
Sponsor files Form I-130
Establishes the qualifying family relationship.
Case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC)
Collects civil documents and affidavit of support.
Wait for priority date to become current (if applicable)
Not required for immediate relatives of US citizens (e.g. spouses).
Attend the immigrant visa interview
Held at a US consulate abroad, or via Adjustment of Status if already in the US.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
DOCUMENTS
Approved I-130
Civil documents (birth/marriage certificates)
Affidavit of Support (I-864)
Passport
Medical exam results
Spousal cases of US citizens (IR1/CR1) typically take 12-18 months; other family categories can take years depending on the Visa Bulletin.
FAQ
QUESTIONS PEOPLE ACTUALLY ASK
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