Yes, as a green card holder (permanent resident), you can apply for your married son to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. However, there may be a waiting period as the availability of visas for married children of green card holders is subject to annual quotas.
And now, a closer look
Yes, as a green card holder (permanent resident), you can apply for your married son to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. However, it’s important to note that the application process for a married son is subject to certain requirements and limitations. Let’s explore this topic in more detail.
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Application Process: To apply for your married son to become a lawful permanent resident, you would need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on their behalf. This form establishes the qualifying relationship between you as the petitioner (green card holder) and your married son as the beneficiary.
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Waiting Period and Annual Quotas: It’s important to be aware that the availability of visas for married children of green card holders is subject to annual quotas. The visa category for married sons and daughters of permanent residents falls under the Family Preference Category 3 (F3). This means that there may be a waiting period before your son’s visa becomes available due to the limits on visas issued each fiscal year. The waiting times can vary and may depend on the country of your son’s nationality.
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Priority Date: When you file the Form I-130 petition, a priority date is assigned to establish your son’s place in line for visa processing. The priority date is important as it determines when your son’s visa becomes available. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, provides up-to-date information on visa availability based on priority dates.
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Potential Challenges: Obtaining a visa for a married son can be a complex process, and there may be various challenges along the way. It’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or seek professional guidance to navigate through the application process smoothly, ensuring all requirements are met.
To add an interesting quote on the topic, Mahatma Gandhi once said, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” This quote reminds us of the significance of family unity and the desire of individuals to bring their loved ones together.
In case of a table, here is an example illustrating the annual quota for family-sponsored visas (numbers may vary):
| Visa Category | Annual Quota (Family Preference) |
|---|---|
| F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | 23,400 |
| F2A (Spouses and Unmarried Children of Permanent Residents) | 87,934 |
| F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of Permanent Residents) | 26,266 |
| F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | 23,400 |
| F4 (Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens) | 65,000 |
Please note that the data in the table is purely illustrative and may not reflect the exact current figures.
In conclusion, as a green card holder, you can apply for your married son to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. However, the availability of visas for married children of green card holders is subject to annual quotas, which may result in a waiting period. It’s essential to stay informed about the visa bulletin and consult professional advice to ensure a smooth application process.
Video answer to “Can green card holder apply for married son?”
In the YouTube video “Can a Green Card Holder File for their Spouse and Children?”, immigration attorney Ipharma Udulami shares that green card holders have the ability to file for their spouses and children. The filing process is divided into two categories: F2A for spouses and children under 21, and F2B for children over 21. Those in the F2A category benefit from current priority dates, enabling them to file their petitions immediately. However, beneficiaries already in the United States must have legal status to adjust their status, while others must go through consular processing in their home country. Udulami recommends contacting their office for assistance with filing for family members.
Other methods of responding to your inquiry
The green card parents petition son process cannot be started for a married son. Only unmarried sons are eligible for a green card sponsored by a green card holding parent. A petition for son of green card holder for a married son may only be filed after the parent becomes a US citizen after naturalization.