Ebook: Families & Immigration: A Practical Guide

United States citizens and lawful permanent residents can help certain family members immigrate to the United States. Please note that throughout this manual we may refer to U.S. citizens as “USCs” and lawful permanent residents as “LPRs,” “permanent residents,” or “green card holders.” Additionally, when we use the term “immigrate,” we are referring to the process by which a person becomes a lawful permanent resident of the United States, whether the person is already in the United States or is applying from abroad. See the distinction between “adjustment of status” (applying from within the United States) and “consular processing” (applying from abroad) below.

Immigrating through family is a two-step process. The first step is the family visa petition, filed by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member on behalf of the person who will be immigrating. The second step is the application to become a permanent resident, filed by the person who will be immigrating. Each step involves different legal and factual issues.