Family sponsorship immigration to the United States helps citizens and permanent residents (Green Card holders) bring spouses, children, parents or siblings to the US to reunite and obtain a Green Card.
Applications fall into two groups: Immediate Relatives of US citizens — unlimited visas, faster processing; and Family Preference categories (F1–F4) — subject to annual quotas, so applicants must wait per the Visa Bulletin.
Two groups of sponsorship categories
Theo US Department of State, the sponsorship relationship determines the waiting time:
Immediate relative
Unlimited visas — fastest
IR1/CR1 (spouse), IR2 (unmarried child under 21), IR5 (parent of a US citizen aged 21 or over).
Family preference category
Quota-based — wait according to the Visa Bulletin
F1 (unmarried children of citizens), F2A/F2B (spouses & children of permanent residents), F3 (married children of citizens), F4 (siblings of citizens).
I-130 → NVC → interview process
Step 1 — File Form I-130
The sponsor files a Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS, proving the relationship.
Step 2 — Transfer to NVC
After the I-130 is approved, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC).
Step 3 — Submit DS-260 + I-864
File the permanent residence application, submit civil documents and an Affidavit of Support (financial sponsorship).
Step 4 — Consular interview
At the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, together with a medical exam.
Step 5 — Enter the US & receive the Green Card
The Green Card is mailed after entry into the US.
Why choose M2W for US family sponsorship
Choose the right IR or F1–F4 category from the start so you know the real waiting time under the Visa Bulletin.
Guidance on preparing evidence of a genuine relationship, avoiding suspicion of fraud at the NVC and during the consular interview.
Check the I-864 and the sponsor's income level so the application isn't returned for failing to meet the financial requirement.
Wait times and priority dates are taken directly from the monthly Visa Bulletin, with no promise of faster processing than reality.
Frequently asked questions about family sponsorship in the United States
How long does US family sponsorship take?
The Immediate Relative (IR) category for US citizens has no visa cap, so it is processed quickly; the F1–F4 preference categories are subject to quotas, so applicants must wait according to the priority date on the Visa Bulletin, which can take many years.
Who can a permanent resident (Green Card holder) sponsor?
A permanent resident can sponsor a spouse and unmarried children (F2A, F2B categories). Sponsoring parents, siblings, or married children is only available to US citizens.
Who must file Affidavit of Support I-864?
The sponsor files an I-864 affidavit of support, proving income meets the minimum required for the household size; if insufficient, a joint sponsor may be needed.
How long is the wait for the F4 category sponsoring siblings?
Due to low quotas and a large volume of applications, the F4 category usually waits many years. Check the current priority date on the Visa Bulletin before deciding to apply.
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Visa application and interview process.
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Investment immigration to the United States
Investment immigration for investors.
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US settlement services
Support settling into initial life.
View detailsFamily sponsorship advisory
M2W identifies the right sponsorship category, prepares documentation proving the relationship and a properly formatted Affidavit of Support to consular standards.
