Certain relatives of Lawful Permanent Residents also have a right to become LPRs, but also have to wait long periods of time after filing an initial application before they can become LPRs. These individuals include:
- Spouses of LPRs
- Unmarried children of any age of LPRs
Despite the fact that non-Immediate Relatives of U.S. citizens and relatives of LPRs often have to wait for a period of time before they become LPRs, the only way to establish their place in line is to file the first part of the application (Form I-130) as soon as possible.
Before filing Form I-130, it is very important to speak with an immigration attorney in order to evaluate whether there are other issues, such as previous immigration or criminal violations, that could prevent a person from becoming a LPR despite their relationship to a U.S. citizen or LPR.