Family-Based Green Card for Filipino Citizens

Family sponsorship is one of the ways a Filipino citizen can obtain a Green Card and live in the US as a permanent resident. Applying for a Green Card using family-based petitions will require you to have relatives living in the U.S. as citizens or permanent residents.

There are two categories of this type of petition, which include immediate relatives and family preferences. The former is for Filipino citizens who have close relatives who are US citizens, like spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents. The latter is for other relatives of a US citizen, including married children, siblings, or cousins.

You should note that the process of applying for a Green Card as a Filipino citizen residing outside of the US and as a Filipino citizen who is in the US but is ineligible to adjust your status to that of a permanent resident is through Consular Processing, as opposed to Adjustment of Status.

Page Contents

• Overview of Family-Based Green Card for Filipino Citizens
• Family-Based Green Card for Filipino Citizens
• Eligibility Requirements for a Family-Based Green Card for Filipino Citizens
• The Application Process for a Family-Based Green Card for Filipino Citizens
• Steps for Consular Processing in Obtaining a Green Card
• Green Card Processing Times
• How Can Total Law Help?
• FAQs

As a Filipino citizen, you will be eligible for a Family-Based Green Card through the sponsorship of one of your family members who is a US citizen or permanent resident. However, your US-based family sponsor is required to meet the financial requirements as well as other requirements, such as being at least 18 years of age, having a valid passport and having proof of employment.

In 2023, the minimum financial requirement for a sponsor is an annual income of $24,650. The amount is computed to be a minimum of 125 per cent of the US Federal Poverty Level.

In some situations, multiple family members can sponsor you if the primary sponsor does not meet the financial requirements. However, there is additional criteria for co-sponsors that must be met:

• A co-sponsor is not permitted to have the same residence address as the primary sponsor.
• A co-sponsor must be prepared to assume equal responsibility for you.

Becoming a co-sponsor entails submitting an individual Form I-864 and fulfilling the standard sponsorship prerequisites. It’s crucial to understand that the incomes of both sponsors cannot be pooled to satisfy the financial criteria; each sponsor must individually meet the requirement.

Reach out to an immigration expert if you are unclear about the responsibilities of sponsorship and financial requirements for a Family-Based Green Card.

The first thing to do before beginning the family-based Green Card application process is to have a sponsor. The family sponsor can be an immediate relative or a family preference.

Following that, you will fill out an application form and submit it to the USCIS. The steps involved in obtaining a Green Card through the Consular Processing pathway are:

• Determine your basis for immigrating: You need to determine if you’re eligible to apply for a Green Card. Typically, you will become eligible through a petition filed on your behalf by one of your family members.
• File the immigrant petition: A Green Card application through family sponsorship requires filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which costs $535.
• Wait for a decision on your petition to be made: USCIS is involved in determining the outcome of a filed petition. If a petition is approved, it will be sent to the Department of State’s National Visa Center and will remain there until an immigrant visa number is available.
• Wait for notification: The National Visa Center (NVC) is the one that notifies when an immigrant visa number is about to become available. They also notify individuals when they must submit immigrant visa processing fees and supporting documentation. What this means is that your petitioner and you, the beneficiary, will be notified by the NVC when the visa petition is received and when an immigrant visa number becomes available.
• Attend your appointment: The consular office will schedule you for an interview once a visa is available. They will review your case and make a determination regarding your eligibility for an immigrant visa.
• Notify the NVC if there are any changes: Though it is not necessary to contact the NVC about your petition, some things may affect your eligibility or visa availability. You should contact the NVC if:
• You change your marital status
• You change your address, or
• You were under 21 but have now reached the age of 21

After your visa is granted, you will receive a “Visa Packet” from the consular officer. You will be required to pay the USCIS immigrant fee of $220, which will be used to process your immigrant visa packet and produce your Green Card.

Before you begin your petition application, you should note that there are some necessary steps that both you, the applicant, and your sponsor must complete. Failure to do that might lead to a delay or even refusal of your application.

It is, however, encouraged that you seek the help and guidance of an immigration expert to assist you with your Green Card application. Total Law is just a phone call away. We are readily available to guide and support you.

We will provide professional advice and make the application process seamless for you. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 or chat with Total Law online for immediate assistance.