How Can I Help My Family Member Immigrate?

Call Seattle Family Law if you need help with your family immigration issues.

Your status determines which relatives (or future relatives such as a fiancé(e) or prospective adopted child) may be eligible to receive immigration benefits. In order to help a family member immigrate to the United States, you must be a:

• U.S. citizen
• Permanent resident (green card holder)
• Refugee admitted as a refugee within the past 2 years or asylee granted asylum within the past 2 years

 As a U.S. citizen, you may petition for certain family members based on your relationship.

Relatives for Whom You (U.S. Citizen) May Petition and Related Benefits and Required Forms

As a permanent resident (green card holder), you may petition for certain family members to immigrate to the United States as permanent residents.

You May Petition For The Following Family Members:

• Spouse (husband or wife) 
• Unmarried children under 21 
• Unmarried son or daughter of any age

Application Process

To obtain a green card for your family member, you must:

• File Form I-130
•  Provide proof of your status to demonstrate that you are a permanent resident.
• Submit evidence of the qualifying relationship such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc. See the form instructions for specific documents required.
• Submit proof of any legal name change for you or your family member (the beneficiary).

See the instructions for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for detailed instructions.

If you or a member of your family is in the U.S. military special conditions may apply to your situation.