Obtain a Family Green Card in Toronto, ON
The green card process can be difficult to navigate, but with expert guidance from Pilkington Immigration, it becomes a manageable endeavor. Obtaining a family green card in Toronto, ON, enables your loved ones to live and work permanently in the United States. Understanding the necessary requirements and steps is essential for a successful application.
Five Family Green Card Categories
Family green card applications to the United States are divided into five categories, starting with immediate relatives such as spouses of United States citizens, children (unmarried 21 and under of United States citizens), and parents of United States citizens. Applications in this immediate relative category are processed the fastest and generally within one year.
Other categories include:
- First Preference:Unmarried, adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (adult means 21 or older.)
- Second Preference (2A):Spouses of green card holders, unmarried children of permanent residents
- Second Preference (2B): Unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents
- Third Preference:Married sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens
- Fourth Preference:Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.
Although each of these other categories is possible to facilitate sponsorship for green cards to the United States, the processing time is longer in each successive category and can take several years in some instances.
The Green Card Process
The green card process typically begins with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident filing a petition on behalf of their family member. This petition, Form I-130, establishes the familial relationship and must be approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the application moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing, and eventually, the family member must attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
There is an exception to this for applicants who are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. As mentioned previously, they do not need to wait for a visa number as there is always an immigrant visa available for them the moment the I-130 filed on their behalf is approved.
The sponsoring family member can also expedite the process by filing both the I-130 and the I-485 adjustment of status application at the same time, as long as the beneficiary is in the United States. Applicants who do this usually get their green cards within a year. Immediate relatives outside the U.S. will need to wait for the approval of their I-130 before they can apply for a green card at the United States Consulate in their country.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring
Before you can sponsor a family-based green card, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and provide relevant documentation such as birth or naturalization certificate or green card.
- You must demonstrate that you have the financial ability to support your sponsored family member and all other dependent members of your household. This requires showing proof of an annual income of at least 125% above the poverty guideline. If you are unable to meet this criteria, you can have a co-sponsor or show assets of the Petitioner or Beneficiary in lieu of income.
- You must prove that you have a qualifying family relationship with the foreign national green card beneficiary. A qualifying relationship means being a spouse, child (biological or adopted), or sibling. For a spouse, this goes beyond a marriage certificate and includes showing proof that the relationship is genuine and bonafide. This can include pictures, affidavits, communication, and joint accounts.
- You must maintain your residence in the U.S. at the time of the visa interview.
Green Card Processing Time
The green card processing time can range from several months to a few years, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens typically experience faster processing times since there are no numerical limits on visas in this category. For other family members, such as siblings or married children, the wait can be considerably longer due to annual visa quotas and backlog in applications.
- Green Card for Spouse: A green card for a spouse is one of the most common types of family-based green cards. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can petition for your spouse to receive a green card as an immediate relative, which generally means a shorter waiting period compared to other family categories. If you are a lawful permanent resident, your spouse falls under the second preference family category, which might entail a longer wait due to annual visa caps.
- Fiancé Visa: For those engaged to U.S. citizens, the Fiancé Visa (K-1 Visa) offers an alternative route to obtaining a green card. The K-1 Visa allows the foreign fiancé to enter the United States, provided the couple marries within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. This pathway can be beneficial for couples wishing to expedite their union and start the green card process while already residing in the U.S.
Client Reviews
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With Pilkington Immigration, the pathway to securing a green card for your family members is clearer and more attainable. Our expertise and commitment to client success ensure that your loved ones can join you in the United States with minimal hassle and maximum efficiency. Let Pilkington Immigration guide you through this significant journey, making the dream of family reunification a reality.
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