You may need a U.S. immigration attorney to avail yourself of U.S. immigration services. Many immigrants are able to bring their entire family to America, after first establishing residency in the United States. Getting a green card for family members can be a long and difficult process, though.

How Do You Sponsor An Alien Relative?

There are three steps for sponsoring a member of your family for a visa or green card. You must file an I-130 Petition for an Alien Relative, and add supporting documentation. For example, you must provide birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce papers (if applicable), the Form G-325, which outlines biographical information, and evidence of your own U.S. citizenship.

A filing fee of $110 must accompany your I-130 Petition. Photos may be needed if you are sponsoring a spouse. If proper documentation is not available, you may have to acquire sworn affidavits to prove the familial relationship.

After your I-130 Petition is approved by the INS, a form I-797 is sent to the National Visa Processing Center. This is forwarded to the U.S. consulate office of the country where your relative lives. Then, as the final step, your relative contacts the U.S. consulate and completes the process, usually by supplying more identification and documentation. The applicant also must pass a medical exam. Your U.S. attorney can provide immigration services to guide you through all the steps required by U.S. immigration.