United States family reunification visa guide

What Is a Family Reunification Visa?

A family reunification visa allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to bring qualified relatives to live in the United States. The U.S. immigration system recognizes that family connections are important, so it has created special visa categories for this purpose. If you have family members abroad and want them to join you in America, a family reunification visa might be your path forward.

Who Can Sponsor Family Members?

To sponsor a family member, you must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). U.S. citizens can sponsor a wider range of relatives than permanent residents can. The closer your relationship to the person you want to sponsor, the faster the process typically moves.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of adults over 21—usually have shorter wait times. Other family categories, like siblings or adult married children, may have longer processing periods because there are more people in these categories seeking visas.

Types of Family Relationships You Can Sponsor

• Spouses (husband or wife)
• Unmarried children under age 21
• Parents (if you are a U.S. citizen age 21 or older)
• Siblings (if you are a U.S. citizen age 21 or older)
• Married children of any age
• Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins (very limited circumstances)

Basic Steps to Start the Process

1. Verify your eligibility. Confirm you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and that your relative meets the definition of "immediate relative" or qualifies under another family category.

2. File a petition. You will need to complete official forms demonstrating your relationship and your ability to financially support your relative.

3. Wait for approval. Government officials will review your petition. Processing times vary by category and location.

4. Your relative applies for the visa. Once your petition is approved, your family member can begin their visa application.

5. Complete medical and security checks. Your relative will undergo required health screenings and background investigations.

6. Attend a visa interview. Your family member will meet with a U.S. official to finalize the visa.

Next Steps

Start by visiting the official U.S. State Department or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. These agencies provide current forms, detailed instructions, and fee information. You can also consult with an immigration attorney if you have complex family situations or questions about your specific case.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.