[Overview of content]

1. Introduction to Relative Immigration
2. Types of family members that can be sponsored
3. Immigration Application Process
4. Relative Immigration Application Requirements
5. List of documents required for the application
6. Interview or description of follow-up procedure

I. Introduction to Relative Immigration

U.S. immigration law allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to apply for immigrant visas (green cards) for specific categories of relatives. This category of immigrants isFamily priority category(Family-Sponsored Preferences) orImmediate family category(Immediate Relatives). Family immigration emphasizes family reunification and is one of the most common and heavily processed categories in the U.S. immigration system.

II. Immigration application process

The entire relative immigration process can be roughly divided into the following steps:

1. Filing of I-130 Petition (Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative)

• Sponsor Files Form I-130 with USCIS
• Attach documents proving kinship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate)

2. Waiting for authorization and visa scheduling (if applicable)

• No scheduling required for Immediate Relative category
• Non-immediate relatives (e.g., siblings) must wait for a quota according to the Immigrant Visa Bulletin.

3. Choice of adjustment of status or consular treatment

• I-485 Adjustment of Status: Beneficiaries who are legally residing in the U.S. can directly submit an I-485 to adjust their status.
• Consular Processing: Beneficiaries are abroad and complete the immigrant visa process through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad (DS-260)

4. Background checks, medical examinations and interviews

• USCIS or the consulate may arrange an interview to confirm the authenticity of the relationship.
• All applicants are required to complete a medical examination

5. Approval of green card or immigrant visa

• Green card directly after successful adjustment of status within the country
• I-551 Status (Green Card) for Out-of-State Applicants Upon Entry into the U.S.

III. Relative Immigration Application Requirements ...................

1. Qualifications of sponsors

• U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
• At least 18 years of age and residing in the United States
• Sufficient financial means to provide financial sponsorship for relatives (income up to the federal poverty level of 125%)

2. Proof of kinship

• Provide clear documentation of legal relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption certificate, etc.)
• If there is a special relationship such as adoption, stepchildren, half-siblings, etc., additional documentation is required.

3. Beneficiary conditions

• No significant criminal record
• No violations of immigration laws (e.g., illegal stay, sham marriage, etc.)
• No immigration bans, infectious diseases or public burden issues

IV. List of documents required for the application

Below is a list of commonly required documents, which may vary depending on the type of application:

1. Sponsor materials:

• Copy of U.S. passport, green card or naturalization certificate
• Last 3 years tax returns (Form 1040) with W-2s
• Proof of income (employer's letter, pay stubs)
• I-864 Financial Guarantee

2. Beneficiary materials:

• Photocopies of passports
• Birth certificate (with certified translation)
• Proof of marriage or adoption (if applicable)
• DS-260 or I-485 application form
• Immigration Medical Examination Report (Form I-693)

3. Documentary proof of relationship (depending on the type of application):

• Group photographs, communication records, children's birth certificates (for spouses or children)
• Co-residence or financial records (e.g. spouse)
• Letter of explanation of kinship (e.g., large age gap between siblings)

V. Interview or description of follow-up procedure

Not all family immigration applications require an interview, but some categories, especially spouses and children, are often required to have an interview to verify the authenticity of the relationship.

1. Common interview or review priorities:

• Whether the spousal relationship is genuine (cohabitation, joint finances, etc.)
• Whether adoption or stepchildren meet legal requirements (relationship needs to be established before age 18)
• Whether the sponsor is able to afford the applicant's stay in the U.S.
• Record of immigration fraud, forgery and illegal stay

2. Important reminders:

• Answer questions truthfully during the interview
• Documents provided must be true and accurate, and translations must be certified.
• If the application is rejected, an appeal or resubmission may be considered.

3. Tips and recommendations:

• U.S. Citizens sponsoring immediate family members are not subject to the quota, but still need to wait for I-130 approval
• Siblings have a long waiting period (sometimes up to 15 years or more) and need to be patient.
• Form I-130 and Form I-485 can be prepared at the same time (if the beneficiary is lawfully present in the country and is an immediate family member).
• If the sponsor's income is insufficient, a co-sponsor can assist
• Proper copies of all documents should be kept, especially I-130 return and receipt numbers