USA Permanent Residency (Green Card)

The United States offers Permanent Residency-commonly known as a Green Card-to eligible foreign nationals through various family-based and employment-based immigration categories. A Green Card allows individuals to live, work, and study permanently in the U.S. and serves as a pathway to U.S. citizenship.
Among the most common family-sponsored routes are the Spouse Petition and Sibling Petition under the Family-Based Immigration system.

1.Spouse Petition (IR-1 / CR-1 Visa - Marriage-Based Green Card)

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor their foreign-born spouses for permanent residency through a marriage-based Green Card petition.

Two Main Categories:

• •IR-1 (Immediate Relative Spouse Visa): For couples married more than 2 years at the time of approval
• •Green Card Holders can also sponsor spouses, but processing times may vary due to annual visa limits.

Who Can Sponsor?

• •U.S. Citizens can sponsor spouses immediately (no visa cap or waiting period).
• •CR-1 (Conditional Resident Spouse Visa): For couples married less than 2 years-conditional Green Card valid for 2 years.

Process Overview:

• 1.Form I-130 Petition: Filed by the U.S. sponsor to establish the relationship.
• 2.Processing by USCIS and NVC: Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Centre for further documentation.
• 3.Immigrant Visa Interview: Held at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's home country.
• 4.Green Card Issuance: Upon approval, the applicant enters the U.S. and receives a Green Card.

• Fastest route for family-based PR
• No annual limit for U.S. citizen sponsors
• Eligible for work and travel authorization during processing (for adjustment applicants)

Tip: Spouses inside the U.S. may apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), while those abroad go through Consular Processing.

2. Sibling Petition (F4 Category - Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens)

U.S. citizens can sponsor their brothers and sisters for Green Cards under the F4 Family Preference Category.

Note: Green Card holders (permanent residents) cannot file sibling petitions.

Eligibility:

• • Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, aged 21 years or older.
• • The sibling must be related biologically, legally adopted, or through a common parent.
• •The sibling must be related biologically, legally adopted, or through a common parent.

Process Overview:

• 1.Form I-130 Petition: Filed by the U.S. citizen sponsor with proof of sibling relationship.
• 2.Priority Date Assigned: This date determines the applicant's place in the visa queue.
• 3.Waiting Period: F4 category is subject to annual visa limits and long backlogs-often 15+ years depending on the country.
• 4.Visa Availability & Consular Processing: Once the priority date becomes current, the applicant proceeds with documentation and an interview abroad.
• 5.Green Card Issued

• Long-term family reunification option
• Eligible family members (spouse & children of the sibling) can also be included
• Permanent residency on arrival

Tip: Even though wait times are long, it's advisable to file as early as possible to start the priority date clock.