Family Immigration & Reunification Guide

Bringing your family together across borders requires navigating complex immigration systems. This guide provides direct links to official government resources.

United States - Family-Based Immigration

Immediate Relatives (No Wait Times)

• Spouse of U.S. Citizen (IR-1, CR-1)
• Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. Citizen (IR-2)
• Parents of U.S. Citizen over 21 (IR-5)

Official Resources

• USCIS Family Immigration: uscis.gov/family
• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): uscis.gov/i-130
• National Visa Center: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/step-2-begin-nvc-processing.html

Processing Times

Check current processing times: egov.uscis.gov/processing-times

Canada - Family Sponsorship

Who You Can Sponsor

• Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents
• Orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18

Official Resources

• IRCC Family Sponsorship: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship
• Sponsor Your Spouse: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children
• Parent & Grandparent Program: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents

Income Requirements

Check income requirements: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children/eligibility.html

United Kingdom - Family Visa

Eligibility

• Partner visas (spouse, fiancé, civil partner)
• Child dependent visas
• Parent visa
• Adult dependent relative visa

Official Resources

• UK Family Visa: gov.uk/uk-family-visa
• Apply for Family Visa: gov.uk/uk-family-visa/apply
• Financial Requirements: gov.uk/uk-family-visa/proof-income

Income Threshold

Minimum income: £18,600 (plus £3,800 for first child, £2,400 for each additional child)

Australia - Family Stream Visas

Partner Visas

• Subclass 820/801 (Partner visa - onshore)
• Subclass 309/100 (Partner visa - offshore)

Parent Visas

• Subclass 103 (Parent visa)
• Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent visa)

Official Resources

• Family Visas Overview: homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/family
• Partner Visas: homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore
• Parent Visas: homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/parent

European Union - Family Reunification

EU Directive 2003/86/EC

EU countries must allow family reunification for legal residents.

Country-Specific Portals

• Germany: bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Familiennachzug/familiennachzug-node.html
• Netherlands: ind.nl/en/family
• France: france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/family-of-french-national
• Spain: inclusion.gob.es/en/migraciones/Residir_en_Espana/index.htm

Document Checklist

Common documents required:

• ✓ Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
• ✓ Passport copies
• ✓ Financial evidence
• ✓ Accommodation proof
• ✓ Police certificates
• ✓ Medical examinations
• ✓ Biometric photos

Tips for Success

1. Start Early - Family immigration can take 6-24+ months
2. Be Thorough - Missing documents cause major delays
3. Stay Organized - Keep copies of everything
4. Get Professional Help - Immigration lawyers can guide complex cases
5. Check Processing Times - Plan accordingly for your situation

Helpful Organizations

• American Immigration Lawyers Association: aila.org
• Canadian Bar Association (Immigration Section): cba.org
• Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (UK): ilpa.org.uk