US Citizen Sponsoring Family from Pakistan: Immigration Process

A US citizen sponsoring a Pakistani relative follows a multi-step process. Eligibility: Sponsor ≥18, US citizen or LPR; beneficiary = spouse, unmarried child <21, parent (if sponsor ≥21), or sibling (if sponsor ≥21, longer wait). Both must pass health/security checks.

1. File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS—proof of citizenship, relationship, fee. 2. Wait for approval—processing times vary (check USCIS.gov). 3. National Visa Center (NVC) takes over—beneficiary submits DS-260, civil documents, police certificates, medical exam, fees. 4. Embassy interview at US Consulate Islamabad or Karachi—consular officer adjudicates. 5. Visa issuance—if approved, immigrant visa in passport. Complex cases warrant an immigration attorney.