Only certain relatives can sponsor family visas, depending on their immigration status. U.S. citizens have more sponsorship options than green card holders. Processing times vary widely based on the relationship and visa category.

Your age and marital status can change which visa category applies to you. Some categories also have long waiting periods due to annual limits.

Family based visas usually require an approved petition before anything else happens. After approval, you may still wait years for a visa number to become available. Travel history and past immigration compliance matter during review. Speaking with an immigration attorney can help you avoid delays or mistakes.