Family-Based Green Card Help — Petition, Evidence & Interview Prep
Overview
The family-based green card lets U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor certain relatives for permanent residence. It begins when the sponsor files Form I-130 to establish the qualifying relationship. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) have visas available right away, while family-preference categories (F1–F4) wait for a priority date to become current on the visa bulletin. Genius Getaway prepares the petition, the relationship evidence, and the affidavit of support so your case is complete and consistent at every stage.
Who Qualifies
- You are being sponsored by a U.S. citizen (spouse, parent, child, or sibling) or a lawful permanent resident (spouse or unmarried child).
- You can document a genuine qualifying family relationship with the sponsor.
- The sponsor meets the income requirement for the affidavit of support (a joint sponsor can help if needed).
- For family-preference categories, you understand a priority-date wait applies based on category and country of birth.
Documents We Help Prepare
- Form I-130 with proof of the qualifying relationship
- Proof of the sponsor's U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- Birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificates that establish the relationship
- Relationship evidence appropriate to the category (for spouses: joint finances, lease or deed, photos, communication)
- Passports and the beneficiary's DS-260 (consular) or Form I-485 (adjustment)
- Affidavit of support (Form I-864) with tax returns and financial evidence
- Required medical examination and police certificates
- Certified translations of any foreign-language documents
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Confirm the qualifying relationship and the right category for your case
- 2
Sponsor files Form I-130 with relationship evidence
- 3
USCIS approves the petition
- 4
For preference categories, wait for your priority date to become current on the visa bulletin
- 5
Final step — DS-260 consular interview abroad, or I-485 adjustment of status if in the U.S.
- 6
Green card issued
Timelines & Fees
Immediate-relative cases (spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen) generally move without a numerical wait, while family-preference categories (F1–F4) can take years depending on the category and country of birth on the monthly visa bulletin. Government fees apply at multiple stages. Government filing and visa fees are set by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State and change periodically — confirm current amounts at uscis.gov and travel.state.gov. Our service fee is separate and quoted upfront before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which relatives can be sponsored for a green card?
U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents (immediate relatives), plus adult children and siblings (preference categories). Permanent residents can sponsor spouses and unmarried children. We help confirm your exact category.
What's the difference between immediate relatives and family preference?
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have an unlimited number of visas, so there's no wait for a visa number. Family-preference categories (F1–F4) are capped each year, so a priority-date wait applies.
What is a priority date and the visa bulletin?
Your priority date is your place in line, set when the I-130 is filed. The monthly visa bulletin shows which priority dates can move to the final green-card step, and the wait varies by category and country.
What is the affidavit of support?
Form I-864 is the sponsor's commitment to financially support the immigrant. The sponsor (or a joint sponsor) must meet a minimum household income. We help document it clearly.
Consular processing or adjustment of status?
If the relative is abroad, the case finishes at a U.S. consulate (DS-260). If they are already in the U.S. in valid status with a visa available, they may file Form I-485 to adjust status.
Do you provide legal advice?
No. We are a document preparation and support company, not a law firm, and we do not provide legal advice. For legal representation, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a consultation and let Genius Getaway prepare your I-130 petition, relationship evidence, and affidavit of support for a well-organized family-based green card case.
Important Disclaimer
- We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. Department of State.
- We do not guarantee visa approval — all decisions are made solely by the relevant government authorities.
- We provide document preparation, review, and application support only, and do not provide legal advice.