{"id":605,"date":"2023-02-09T09:30:41","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T17:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elawrencelaw.com\/blog\/?p=605"},"modified":"2023-02-24T07:21:10","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T15:21:10","slug":"what-to-know-about-family-based-green-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elawrencelaw.com\/blog\/what-to-know-about-family-based-green-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Know About Family-Based Green Cards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide\" style=\"grid-template-columns:46% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"662\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elawrencelaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_146169356.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elawrencelaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_146169356.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.elawrencelaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_146169356-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.elawrencelaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_146169356-768x508.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>While there are many different ways that people acquire green cards, one of the most popular options to become a permanent United States resident is family-based green cards. In fact, family-based green cards currently account for about 2\/3 of all of the green cards that are given out every year. Current permanent residents and citizens can use these green cards as a way to unite with their family members. What should you know? <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There Are Different Types of Family-Based Green Cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main categories for family-based green cards,\nimmediate relatives and family preference. Depending on which category you or\nyour relative falls into, that will impact what the application process looks\nlike and how long the process might take. For immediate relative visas, close\nrelatives of current United States citizens are eligible. This is the fastest\ntype of family-based green card to receive, but it also has the strictest\nrequirements for eligibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to be eligible, you must be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The child of a United States citizen, under the\nage of 21 and unmarried<\/li><li>The spouse of a United States citizen<\/li><li>An orphan adopted by a United States citizen<\/li><li>The parent of a United States citizen, over the\nage of 21<\/li><li>An orphan that will be adopted by a United\nStates citizen<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The family preference category is a bit broader. This type\nof family-based green card has a set number of how many can be issued in a\ncalendar year, unlike immediate relative green cards. The different categories\nof family preference include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Unmarried children of United States citizens and\ntheir minor children<\/li><li>Spouses, unmarried children over the age of 21,\nand minor children of current lawful permanent residents<\/li><li>Married children of United States citizens, as\nwell as their minor children and spouses<\/li><li>Brothers and sisters of United States citizens,\nin addition to their minor children and spouses <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The category that you choose matters, so if you are at all\nconfused about which is right for you, do not hesitate to reach out to your\nattorney to learn more. Filing the wrong type of application can greatly impact\nwhether or not it goes through and how long it takes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Documents Are Required? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are applying for family-based green cards, there are\na variety of documents that will be required throughout the application and\napproval process. Some of these include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>An affidavit of support<\/li><li>A birth certificate<\/li><li>A marriage certificate, if the person is married<\/li><li>An immigration medical examination form<\/li><li>A passport that expires six months or longer\npast the intended date of entry<\/li><li>To passport photographs<\/li><li>Marriage termination documentation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While those will cover the basics, you may be asked for\nadditional types of documentation depending on the circumstances of your\napplication. Be prepared to cooperate with this process, as it can be lengthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn More About the Immigration Process from The Law Office of Elizabeth\nAnu Lawrence <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you or a loved one are concerned about a citizenship\napplication, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu\nLawrence to give you the help you need.&nbsp;\nPlease give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultation\nare both available to clients.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Family-based green cards are the most popular ways to become a United States resident as an immigrant, but the application process can be challenging. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-us-immigration"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What to Know About Family-Based Green Cards -<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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