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- Family Sponsorship to the United States
Family Sponsorship to the United States
US citizens and permanent residents can sponsor relatives under categories with different waiting times.
Family sponsorship is an immigrant category based on a family relationship with a US citizen or permanent resident. The waiting time depends on the relationship and the sponsor’s status.
Main categories
| Category | Sponsor | Person sponsored |
|---|---|---|
| IR-1, CR-1 | US citizen | Spouse |
| IR-2 | US citizen | Unmarried child under 21 |
| IR-5 | US citizen aged 21 or over | Parent |
| F1 | US citizen | Unmarried child aged 21 or over |
| F2A | Permanent resident | Spouse or unmarried child under 21 |
| F2B | Permanent resident | Unmarried child aged 21 or over |
| F3 | US citizen | Married child |
| F4 | US citizen aged 21 or over | Sibling |
Main steps
- File Form I-130: the sponsor files with USCIS to prove the family relationship.
- Wait for your turn: F categories depend on the monthly Visa Bulletin.
- Complete the file at the NVC: submit civil documents and the Form I-864 affidavit of support.
- Medical examination and interview: carried out in Vietnam as scheduled by the US Consulate.
- Receive your visa and enter: travel to the United States within the visa validity period and receive your green card.
Frequently asked questions
Which categories do not wait under the Visa Bulletin?
Immediate relatives of US citizens, including IR-1/CR-1, IR-2 and IR-5, have no annual visa limit, but the case still takes time to process.
What financial requirements must the sponsor meet?
The sponsor usually signs a Form I-864 affidavit of support and must meet the required income level. If it is not enough, a joint sponsor may be needed.
Updated November 2, 2026. This content is for reference only and is not legal advice for any individual case.
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