Family-Based Immigration and the I-130: How to Sponsor a Relative
How family-based immigration works: the I-130 petition, the difference between immediate relatives and preference categories, and the process.
What is family-based immigration?
U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can sponsor certain family members for immigration. The process usually starts with the sponsor filing Form I-130.
Immediate relatives and preference categories
- Immediate relatives: spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. There is no annual quota in this category.
- Family preference categories (F1–F4): other relatives; because there are annual quotas, there can be a wait.
What the I-130 does
The I-130 proves a valid relationship between the sponsor and the relative. Approval alone does not grant a Green Card; the person must later move to adjustment of status (I-485) or consular processing when eligible.
Priority date and the wait
In quota categories the date the I-130 is filed becomes your priority date. You track your place in line with the monthly Visa Bulletin.
Track it with immigo
immigo explains which category you may fall into in plain language, walks through the steps after the I-130, and reminds you of your priority date via the Visa Bulletin.
Ask immigo in your own language, track your case, upload documents and never miss an important date.