Family-based green cards: petitions, wait times and costs

Who this guide is for

This guide is for U.S. citizens and green card holders who want to bring a relative to live permanently in the United States, and for relatives who are being sponsored. It covers the petition (Form I-130), how the category decides the wait, the financial sponsorship rules, the public charge changes that took effect in September 2026, the main steps and the official fees as of October 2026. Spouses and fiancé(e)s have dedicated guides: marriage green card and K-1 visa.

Who can sponsor a relative for a green card?

The sponsor (the "petitioner") must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and must prove the qualifying relationship with documents such as birth and marriage certificates. Eligible relatives fall into two groups:

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of citizens age 21 or older). No annual cap applies.
• Preference relatives in categories F1 (adult unmarried children of citizens), F2A (spouses and minor children of residents), F2B (adult unmarried children of residents), F3 (married children of citizens) and F4 (siblings of adult citizens). These share a limited number of visas each year.

The relative must also be admissible, meaning no disqualifying criminal, immigration, health, security or public charge issue, unless a waiver is available and granted. A full overview of categories is on our family immigration hub.

How long is the wait? Visa Bulletin dates (November 2026)

For preference cases, the date USCIS receives the I-130 becomes the relative's priority date. Each month the State Department publishes cutoff dates. A relative can finish the case only when their priority date is earlier than the "final action date" for their category and country of birth. The table below shows final action dates from the Visa Bulletin for November 2026.

China-mainland-born applicants share the "most countries" dates in every family category for November 2026. Dates can move forward, stand still or move backward. The bulletin also has a second chart, "dates for filing," which lets some applicants inside the United States submit Form I-485 earlier. USCIS announces each month which chart family-sponsored applicants must use on its "Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin" page, so check it before filing. Track movement with our Visa Bulletin tracker.

The affidavit of support (Form I-864)

Almost every family-based immigrant needs a sponsor who signs Form I-864, a contract with the federal government promising to support the immigrant at no less than 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. The obligation generally lasts until the immigrant becomes a citizen, earns 40 qualifying quarters of work, leaves the country permanently or dies. It does not end with divorce.

• The petitioner must sign an I-864 even if their income is low. If it falls short, a joint sponsor or household member (Form I-864A) can add income, and assets can count too.
• For 2026, 125% of the guideline for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. is $27,050 for a household of two, $34,150 for three and $41,250 for four, based on HHS figures published January 15, 2026. Active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child need only 100%.
• USCIS updates Forms I-864, I-864A and I-864EZ from time to time, and filings on an outdated edition can be rejected. Before filing, check the edition date USCIS lists as accepted on its Form I-864 page.

Public charge: what changed on September 18, 2026

A person can be refused a green card if they are judged likely to become a "public charge," meaning primarily dependent on the government. DHS published a final rule on July 20, 2026 (91 FR 45324) that rescinds the 2022 public charge regulation. It took effect September 18, 2026, and applies to adjustment applications postmarked or electronically submitted on or after that date and to applications for admission made on or after it.

• No replacement regulation. Officers now make a case-by-case decision based on the totality of circumstances, guided by the USCIS Policy Manual rather than a detailed rule.
• Factors. The law requires officers to consider age, health, family status, assets, resources and financial status, and education and skills. A sufficient I-864 is required where applicable but does not by itself settle the question.
• Public benefits. Benefits received before September 18, 2026 are weighed under the 2022 approach, which looked mainly at cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutional care at government expense. For benefits received on or after that date, officers may consider any means-tested public benefit.
• Revised form. DHS says in the rule that USCIS revised Form I-485 and its instructions to collect information used in the public charge decision, including any receipt of means-tested public benefits. Use the edition that the USCIS Form I-485 page lists as accepted, because older editions can be rejected.

How to sponsor a family member, step by step

How much does a family green card cost? (October 2026)

USCIS fees come from 8 CFR 106.2; online filing is $50 less for forms that allow it. State Department fees come from 22 CFR 22.1. Medical exam costs are set by the doctor. As of October 2026, the H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) fee increases of October 16, 2026 did not change the I-130 or I-485 fees, though a separate parole fee exists for some travelers. Always check the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055) before paying, or use our fee calculator.

Common problems and risks

• Category changes. Marriage, divorce, a child turning 21 or the sponsor naturalizing can move the relative into another category, sometimes helpfully and sometimes not.
• Status and entry issues. Overstays, unlawful entry or unauthorized work can block adjustment or trigger 3- or 10-year bars when leaving the country.
• Incomplete packages. Missing the I-864 or medical exam can now lead to denial without warning.
• Enforcement risk. Since 2025, USCIS policy allows it to issue a Notice to Appear when an application is denied and the person lacks lawful status. Get advice before filing if you have any immigration violation.
• Scams. Pay government fees only to USCIS or the State Department. See avoiding immigration scams.

Questions to ask an attorney

• Which category does my relative fall into now, and could it change?
• Is my relative eligible to adjust status in the United States, or must they process abroad?
• Does anyone in the household have benefit use that matters under the new public charge approach?
• Do we need a joint sponsor, and how do assets count?
• Are there any past violations that could require a waiver?

Want help applying this to your situation? Email us to be connected with a participating immigration attorney, or see free and low-cost legal help.