The United States remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Pakistani citizens wishing to reunite with family and pursue a stable future. With a Family-Based Green Card, eligible individuals can live, study, work, and build long-term opportunities across the United States.
This guide explains everything you need to know about applying for a Family-Based Green Card from Pakistan, including visa categories, requirements, documents, fees, processing times, sponsorship rules and the step-by-step application procedure.
What Is a Family-Based Green Card?
A Family-Based Green Card allows a qualifying foreign national to lawfully enter, live, and settle in the United States through sponsorship from a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).
This immigration route is one of the most used pathways for Pakistani nationals because it provides a structured and secure way to reunite with close family members already living in the United States.
Why Is the Family-Based Green Card Important for Pakistani Citizens?
Pakistani citizens who obtain a Green Card gain access to a range of benefits, including:
- The right to live and work anywhere in the US
- Access to education, career growth and mobility
- Eligibility to apply for US citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Protection under US immigration and federal laws
- Ability to sponsor eligible relatives in the future
- Freedom to travel in and out of the United States (with fewer restrictions)
- Long-term security for family planning and residence
For many families separated across borders, this visa category represents stability, reunification, and the foundation for a long-term future in the United States.
What Are the Categories of Family-Based Green Cards?
There are two main categories of Family-Based immigration to the United States:
1. Immediate Relative (IR) Category
There is no annual limit on the number of visas issued in this category, making processing significantly faster.
Eligible applicants include:
- IR1: Spouse of a US citizen
- IR2: Unmarried child (under 21) of a US citizen
- IR3: Orphan adopted abroad
- IR4: Orphan adopting in the US
- IR5: Parent of a US citizen aged 21 or older
No annual quota → Faster processing.
2. Family Preference (F) Category
This category has yearly quotas, resulting in longer processing times.
Types include:
- F1: Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of US citizens
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of LPRs
- F2B: Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of LPRs
- F3: Married children of US citizens
- F4: Siblings of US citizens
Each preference category has a fixed annual limit.
Who Can Sponsor Me for a Green Card?
US Citizens Can Sponsor:
- Spouse
- Children (any age, married or unmarried)
- Parents
- Siblings
Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) Can Sponsor:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children only
Sponsors must meet specific financial and residency requirements.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
To qualify for a Family-Based Green Card, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Have a qualified US sponsor (citizen or LPR)
- Relationship proven through legal documentation
- Pass medical and security background checks
- Provide financial evidence supporting self-sufficiency or sponsorship
- Valid passport and identity documents
- For children: must meet age requirements
- For spouses: must prove a genuine marital relationship
Applicants must be admissible under US immigration law.
What Is an Accompanying Relative?
In some cases, spouses and unmarried children of the principal applicant may be included in the application. These dependents must meet eligibility rules and provide required documents.
What Documents Are Required for a Family-Based Green Card?
Typical supporting documents include:
- Valid Pakistani passport (valid at least 6 months beyond entry)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination results (from an approved panel physician)
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
- Previous immigration records (if applicable)
- Evidence of genuine relationship (photos, messages, financial support, etc.)
- Translated documents in English (certified translation required)
Additional documents may be requested depending on the case.
What Is Form I-130?
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is filed by the US sponsor. It proves the qualifying relationship between the sponsor and the applicant.
The petition can be submitted:
- Online through USCIS
- By mail
Once approved, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC).
What Is Form DS-261?
DS-261 (Online Choice of Address and Agent) informs the US Department of State how to contact the applicant during processing.
This form is completed after receiving the NVC Welcome Letter.
What Is Form DS-260?
DS-260 is the online immigrant visa application completed by the Pakistani applicant.
It includes:
- Personal details
- Education
- Employment
- Travel history
- Security and background information
- Immigration history
Supporting documents must be uploaded through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
How to Prepare for the Visa Interview?
The interview will take place at the US Embassy in Islamabad or a US Consulate in Karachi.
You should bring:
- All original supporting documents
- Interview appointment letter
- Medical exam results
- Passport
- Financial documents
- Evidence of your relationship
The interview officer verifies authenticity and eligibility.
What are the Common Interview Questions
Applicants may be asked:
- What is your relationship to the sponsor?
- Why are you moving to the United States?
- What evidence do you have of your relationship?
- Where does your sponsor live and work?
- When did you last meet your sponsor?
- How do you communicate with your sponsor?
Spouses may face more detailed personal questions.
What Happens If Your Visa Is Rejected?
A visa may be refused due to:
- Insufficient evidence
- Incomplete documentation
- Ineligibility or security concerns
You may:
- Submit additional documents
- Apply for a waiver (in some cases)
- Re-apply after correcting issues
Professional guidance increases the chances of approval.
How Long Does the Family-Based Green Card Process Take?
Processing time varies by category:
- Immediate Relative visas: typically faster
- Family Preference visas: subject to annual quotas → may take several months to years
Timelines vary by embassy workload and USCIS processing speed.
Read more about: US Family Visas for Pakistani Citizens
What Are the Fees for a Family-Based Green Card?
Approximate fees include:
- I-130 filing fee: $535
- DS-260 immigrant visa fee: $325
- USCIS immigrant fee: $220
- Medical exam: varies by clinic
- Translation & document courier fees: case-specific
How to Obtain Permanent Resident Status After Arriving in the US?
After entering the US with an immigrant visa, the applicant may receive their Green Card by mail. Alternatively, if adjusting status within the US, the applicant must file:
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence)
Fees:
- Adults (14+): $1,140 + $85 biometric fee
- Children (under 14): reduced fee
After approval, you officially become a Lawful Permanent Resident.
How Can Go Foreign Help?
Go Foreign provides specialist guidance for Pakistani citizens applying for Family-Based Green Cards. Our services include:
- Eligibility assessment
- Document preparation and verification
- Completing all application forms
- Uploading documents to CEAC
- Interview preparation
- Case tracking
- Guidance on waivers and re-applications
Our expert advisers ensure accuracy, compliance, and maximum chances of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in the US after getting a Family-Based Green Card?
Yes. Green Card holders can work legally without restrictions.
Can I travel outside the US?
Yes—however, extended stays outside the US may affect residency requirements.
Can my spouse and children join me?
Yes, if they meet eligibility rules under relevant categories.
When can I apply for US citizenship?
Typically after 3–5 years of continuous residency, depending on category.
