When you live in one country and your loved ones are across the globe, even short distances can feel impossibly far. If you’re living in the US and hoping to reunite with your parents, partner, or children, the family-sponsored visa could be your path. Whether you’re helping a parent enjoy retirement near the grandkids or making sure your kids grow up with both parents present, this visa is designed to keep families together.
At Remitly, we know how emotional and complex this process can feel. That’s why we’re here to help make it easier to understand. In this guide, we’ll break down what a family-sponsored visa is, who can apply, how the process works, and what steps you’ll need to take.
Who can sponsor a family member?
If you’re hoping to bring a loved one to live with you, the first step is figuring out if you can be their sponsor. In most cases, that means being a citizen or a lawful permanent resident (a green card holder in the US). You’ll also need to be at least 18 years old and able to show proof of your status—think passport, citizenship certificate, or green card.
Sponsors also need to show they can financially support the family member they’re bringing over. That’s because the government wants to make sure your relatives will have what they need to get settled without needing public assistance. It’s a way to make sure everyone’s set up for success from the start.
Who can you sponsor?
This depends on your status. If you’re a US citizen, you can sponsor spouses, children (regardless of age or marital status), parents, and siblings. Spouses, unmarried children, and parents are considered “immediate relatives”. Processing is usually quicker in these cases. Siblings and adult children fall into the family preference categories—these have annual limits and longer wait times.
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse and unmarried children.
Grandchildren can only be sponsored if they qualify as derivative beneficiaries in another petition.
What do you need to prove?
To get things moving, both the sponsor and the family member being sponsored will need to show documentation. That usually includes things like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or legal guardianship papers—basically, anything that proves your relationship is real and qualifies under the rules.
If you’re applying for something like a spousal visa, requirements might also include evidence like photos, joint financial records, or communication history.
If you’re the sponsor, you must also show your income, tax documents, or employment letters to prove that you meet financial support requirements.
How to apply for a family-sponsored visa in the US
The process comes with some paperwork and patience, but knowing what to expect can make things a whole lot easier.
Step 1: File Form I-130 to start the process
This step is all about officially asking the US government to recognize your relationship. As the sponsor, you’ll need to file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You’ll also need to include supporting documents that prove your status, like a copy of your US passport, green card, or naturalization certificate, along with documents that confirm your relationship to the person you’re sponsoring, like a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
Step 2: Wait for USCIS to review your petition
After you submit Form I-130, your petition goes into the USCIS queue for review. Processing times can vary widely. Sometimes it can take just a few months, but certain visa categories can take a year or more. And if you’re sponsoring someone who falls into a preference category (like an adult child or sibling), the wait could be much longer due to annual visa limits.
This is the “hurry up and wait” part of the process. But it’s also a good time to gather other necessary documents, stay in touch with your family members, and prepare for the next steps.
Step 3: Apply for the visa through the National Visa Center
Once your I-130 is approved and a visa is available, USCIS hands your case over to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will contact you with instructions on the next phase, which includes submitting a visa application (Form DS-260) and supporting documents online.
Your family member will also need to get a medical exam from a certified doctor and prepare for an interview at the US embassy or consulate in their home country. There are visa fees to pay at this stage, and you’ll also need to submit the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to show that you can financially support your relative.
Step 4: Go to the visa interview
Once everything is submitted and accepted, your family member will be scheduled for an in-person visa interview at the embassy or consulate in their country. This is a pretty standard step, and while it might feel intimidating, it’s usually straightforward.
A consular officer will review the application, ask some questions about your relationship, and check all the documents. It’s helpful for your family member to bring printed copies of everything, just in case.
Step 5: Get the decision
After the interview, the consular officer will either approve or deny the visa. If approved, your family member will get their passport back with a US immigrant visa stamped inside. Once they arrive in the US, they’ll officially become a lawful permanent resident, and a green card will be mailed to their US address.
Common challenges (and how to handle them)
Even with the best intentions and a solid plan, the family visa process in the US can come with a few delays and challenges. The good news is that most of them are manageable if you know what to look out for.
Confused about who you can sponsor?
You’re not alone. US immigration categories can be really specific. In general, US citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings, while green card holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.
But even within those groups, there are rules around age, marital status, and more. If you’re not sure what applies to your situation, checking the latest USCIS guidelines is a smart first move. And if it still feels unclear, reaching out to an immigration lawyer or a nonprofit immigration support group can save you a lot of time (and second-guessing).
Missing documents or paperwork drama?
It happens to the best of us. Maybe you misplaced your birth certificate, or your tax returns are missing a page. Unfortunately, these things can delay or even pause your application.
One easy fix is to set up a shared Google Drive or Dropbox folder where you and your family member can upload everything you need—passports, ID, relationship proof, financial docs, photos, etc. Having everything in one place keeps things organized and makes it way easier to track down anything that’s still missing.
Just be sure to double-check security settings, and remember that you may need originals or certified copies at the interview stage.
Frustrated by long wait times?
Even if your documents are perfectly in order and your relationship is clear, visa processing times in the US can be extremely slow. There are backlogs, quotas, and other delays that can stretch out the wait, sometimes for months or even years.
That’s why it helps to start early, stay patient, and set realistic expectations. You can also check current USCIS processing times and visa bulletin updates online, so you’re not refreshing your inbox every five minutes.
Worried about rules changing halfway through?
Immigration policies in the US can shift depending on political changes or new regulations. While most changes don’t affect applications already in progress, it helps to stay informed. Sign up for USCIS updates, follow a reliable immigration news source, or stay in touch with your lawyer or caseworker.
How long is the visa valid, and can it be renewed?
US immigration timelines aren’t always crystal clear, and figuring out how long your family member can stay can feel confusing.
How long is a family-sponsored visa valid in the US?
It really depends on the visa type and your relationship to the person you’re sponsoring. If you’re a US citizen sponsoring an immediate relative like a spouse, child under 21, or parent, they’ll usually be eligible for permanent residency (a green card) once the visa is approved. There are no annual limits for these cases, so processing is generally faster.
Other categories, like siblings or adult children, may take longer to process due to annual caps and waitlists. Once approved, they enter the US as permanent residents.
Visa renewal or extension
Family-sponsored immigrant visas lead to permanent residency, so there’s no need to renew the visa itself. Your family member will receive a green card, which is typically valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
If a conditional green card is issued, they’ll need to remove the conditions after two years to maintain residency.
What benefits come with a family-sponsored visa?
First of all, being with your family in the same place is a huge emotional win. But beyond that, family-sponsored visas in the US often come with some serious perks. Once your loved one has a green card, they can work, go to school, access healthcare, travel, and eventually even apply for US citizenship.
And let’s not forget the peace of mind. Having family nearby makes it easier to settle into life in a new country. It can also mean shared housing, emotional support, and help navigating everyday things like school enrollment or job hunting.
FAQs
Who qualifies for a family-sponsored visa?
In the US, citizens can sponsor their spouses, children (regardless of age and marital status), parents, and siblings. Green card holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.
Can I sponsor more than one person?
In most cases, yes. But each person will need their own application, and your financial capacity may be assessed for each case, which may be more challenging if you’re sponsoring multiple family members at once.
What happens if the visa is denied?
If a visa is denied, the official notice will include the reason why. You might be able to appeal, reapply with stronger documentation, or consult with an immigration expert.
Are there income requirements?
The US requires the sponsor to show proof of income to demonstrate they can support the incoming family member. The amount varies depending on household size and location.
Does my family member get automatic citizenship?
Not usually. A family-sponsored visa is a path toward permanent residency. Most green card holders can apply for US citizenship after five years, or three years if they are married to a US citizen.