If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to sponsor your spouse, children, parents, or siblings for lawful permanent residence through the family-based immigration process. This pathway allows families to reunite and establish their lives in the United States.

Navigating the family-based immigration system can be complex, especially when dealing with visa backlogs, documentation requirements, and USCIS processing delays. Working with an experienced family immigration attorney in El Segundo and Manhattan Beach can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your case is handled efficiently.

Who Can Be Sponsored for a Family-Based Green Card?

Family Sponsorship by a U.S. Citizen

As a U.S. citizen, you can petition for:

✔ Spouses (Marriage-based green card cases are among the most common petitions handled by our family immigration lawyers in El Segundo and Manhattan Beach.)
✔ Children under 21 
✔ Unmarried sons and daughters over 21 (This falls under the F1 family preference category and typically has a waiting period.)
✔ Married sons and daughters (any age) (This falls under the F3 family preference category, with a longer waiting period.)
✔ Parents (The sponsoring U.S. citizen must be at least 21 years old.)
✔ Siblings (Only U.S. citizens can sponsor their brothers and sisters, and wait times can be lengthy.)

Family Sponsorship by a U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)

As a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you can sponsor:
✔ Spouses (Many families in South Bay seek guidance from a family immigration attorney to navigate the adjustment of status or consular processing process.)
✔ Unmarried children under 21
✔ Unmarried sons and daughters 21 or older (This category has longer wait times due to visa limitations.)

Unlike employment-based immigration, family-based green cards do not require a job offer or labor certification. However, sponsors must meet financial eligibility requirements, including filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to prove they can financially support the relative.

Family-Based Immigration Categories

1. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens (No Annual Limits)

Immediate relatives receive priority processing, as there are no numerical caps on these visas. This category includes:

✔ Spouses of U.S. citizens (Marriage-based green cards are one of the most common cases handled by our family immigration attorneys in El Segundo and Manhattan Beach area.)
✔ Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
✔ Parents of U.S. citizens (The sponsor must be at least 21.)
✔ Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens (If the petition is filed within two years of the U.S. citizen’s death.)
✔ Stepchildren and stepparents (If the marriage creating the relationship occurred before the child’s 18th birthday.)

Because there is no cap on immediate relative visas, these cases often process faster than family preference categories, making them an attractive option for families in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, and the greater Los Angeles area looking to reunite quickly.

2. Family Preference Categories (Annual Quotas Apply)

For other qualifying family members, visas fall under preference categories:

✔ F1 – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of U.S. citizens
✔ F2A – Spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents
✔ F2B – Unmarried adult sons and daughters (21 or older) of permanent residents
✔ F3 – Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
✔ F4 – Siblings of U.S. citizens (The sponsor must be at least 21.)

These preference-based visas often involve longer wait times, especially for certain countries with high demand. A family immigration lawyer in Manhattan Beach or El Segundo can help families understand the Visa Bulletin updates and estimated processing times.

Who Qualifies as a Spouse for a Marriage-Based Green Card?

Under U.S. immigration law, a spouse is a legally married partner in a bona fide marriage, meaning it was entered in good faith and not solely for immigration purposes.

✔ Heterosexual couples in a legally recognized marriage
✔ Same-sex couples (The marriage must be legal in the jurisdiction where it took place.)
✔ Transgender spouses (Eligible under the same laws as same-sex couples.)

Couples applying for a marriage-based green card in South Bay cities like El Segundo and Manhattan Beach should be prepared to provide proof of their legitimate relationship, including joint financial records, shared residency documents, and photos to demonstrate the authenticity of their marriage.

Who Qualifies as a “Child” Under Family-Based Immigration?

A child for immigration purposes must be:
✔ Unmarried
✔ Under 21 years old

Children who qualify for family-based immigration include:
✔ Biological children (Born in wedlock.)
✔ Stepchildren (If the marriage occurred before the child turned 18.)
✔ Adopted children & orphans (Special requirements apply.)
✔ Children born out of wedlock (May require proof of legal recognition by the parent.)

For families in El Segundo and Manhattan Beach, our family immigration lawyer can assist in verifying eligibility and gathering the required documentation to ensure a smooth petition process.

Widows & Widowers Seeking a Family-Based Green Card

A widow or widower of a U.S. citizen may still qualify for a green card if:
✔ The petition is filed within two years of the U.S. citizen’s death
✔ The couple was not legally separated at the time of death
✔ The applicant has not remarried before obtaining a green card

Surviving spouses in South Bay, including El Segundo and Manhattan Beach, can benefit from the guidance of an experienced family immigration attorney when filing these petitions.