How to Sponsor a Family Member for a U.S. Green Card

Reuniting Families: The Power of Sponsorship

Helping a loved one immigrate to the United States is a life-changing process that reunites families and provides opportunities to live and work in the U.S. In 2026, the process remains a cornerstone of the American immigration system, though it requires navigating new fee schedules and heightened relationship scrutiny.

Immediate Relatives: Spouses, unmarried children (<21), and parents of U.S. citizens. These visas have no annual cap.
Family Preference: Adult children, siblings of citizens, and families of Green Card holders. These are subject to annual limits and waiting lists.
The Financial Bond: Sponsors must prove they can support their relatives via a legally binding Affidavit of Support.

[Image of a family reuniting at a U.S. airport]

2026 Updates: New Fees and Policy Shifts

As of January 1, 2026, USCIS has implemented inflation-adjusted fees across several key forms. Additionally, as of January 21, 2026, a new administrative pause has been placed on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 specific countries (including Brazil, Egypt, and Haiti) while screening procedures are reviewed.

Eligibility: Who Can You Sponsor?

Your status in the U.S. determines which family members you can bring to the country.

U.S. Citizens can sponsor: Spouses, children (all ages), parents, and siblings.
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) can sponsor: Spouses and unmarried children. LPRs cannot sponsor parents or siblings.

The Financial Safety Net: Form I-864

The U.S. government requires sponsors to earn at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2026, the minimum income to sponsor a spouse (household of 2) is $25,550. If you do not meet this, you may use assets (3–5x the shortfall) or find a Joint Sponsor.

Common Challenges in 2026

The "Public Charge" Scrutiny: In 2026, officers are more strictly evaluating whether an immigrant might rely on government benefits.
Relationship Evidence: Standard documentation like birth certificates is now often supplemented by requests for "proof of life" (shared photos, travel records, and digital communication).
Visa Bulletin Backlogs: For preference categories (like siblings), wait times can still span over a decade. The February 2026 Visa Bulletin showed a slight one-month advancement for the F-2A category (spouses of LPRs).

Menu