Who is eligible to file?
The following family relationships can serve as the basis for a famiy based green card:(F1),(F2A),(F2B),(F3),(F4).
A US citizen over age 21 can file a petition for his or her (F3)mother or father. Step parents can be included if the step-parent relationship was established prior to the petitioner turning 18. This is considered an Immediate Relative petition, and can be processed immediately, without waiting for a priority date.
A US citizen over age 21 can file a petition for his or her children. Once the process is started, it normally takes several years for a child to benefit from a parent’s petition. The wait time depends on the age of the son or daughter and whether or not the child is married.
A Legal Permanent Resident (green card holder) can file a petition for a (F2A)spouse, minor children, or (F2B)unmarried adult children. It normally takes several years for a spouse or minor child to benefit from this type of petition. The wait time depends on the age of the child.
A US citizen over age 21 can also file a petition for his or her (F4)brothers and sisters. This petition will include the brother or sister’s spouse and minor children. Once the process is started, it normally takes 10 years or more for a brother or sister to benefit from this kind of petition.