Green Cards for Spouse and Children of LPRs

Like United States Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR’s) may petition for their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. However, unlike United States Citizens, spouses and children of LPR’s are subject to numerical restrictions, and thus the process can take several years. Furthermore, and again due to per-country limitations, those seeking to emigrate from a high immigration country face longer wait times.

If possible, it is normally recommended that petitioners first naturalize and become a US citizen, before applying for their spouses and children, as they will then be considered immigration relatives and will be free from any numerical restrictions.