Speeding Up the Process

Making the system work for you

Waiting several years or even decades to get a family member to the U.S. can be frustrating and heartbreaking. Although you cannot break the law to get a loved one into the U.S., if you understand how the immigration system works, you can use the preference categories to your advantage without having to consult a lawyer.

How can I legally speed up the process?
While the immigration process always takes longer than you'd like, there are ways you can speed up the process.

• Become a U.S. citizen : Family members of U.S. citizens get preference over those of permanent residents. For example, the spouse of a permanent resident must wait five years, but the spouse of a citizen doesn't have to wait. You can help your family by applying for U.S. citizenship as soon as you are eligible.
• Ask adult children not to marry: Permanent residents cannot sponsor their married children. While U.S. citizens can sponsor married children, they are given a low preference. However, unmarried children, regardless of age, can be sponsored by permanent residents, and are given high priority when sponsored by U.S. citizens. Note: Your children must be unmarried when you file the petition and remain unmarried until they arrive and collect their green card. If they marry during the immigration process, they may be disqualified.
• Get sponsored by more than one U.S. family member: If you have more than one family member in the U.S., you'd be wise to have more than one sponsor you. If something goes wrong with your sponsor – for example, they could die or get deported – your petition will be denied. Since you can be on more than one waiting list at once, you can take the first petition that comes available.

What else can I do?
Making sure you have all the required paperwork in order is important. Follow all instructions carefully and do not ignore specifications. If the application calls for a digital photo, do not provide a paper photo. If you need a doctor's certificate, be sure your doctor provides proof of the condition you are asked to address. Don't submit a letter that just says you are in good general health.