Family-Based Permanent Residence in the United States: Key Requirements You Must Meet

Obtaining permanent residence (Green Card) through a family member is one of the most common ways to live legally in the United States. If you live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, understanding the specific requirements is essential to avoid delays in your application.

12 Key Requirements for Family-Based Permanent Residence

For USCIS to approve your application, you must meet these essential requirements:

• Have an eligible sponsor: A family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Have a qualifying family relationship: The relationship must fall within an approved category, such as spouse, child, parent, or sibling.
• Be physically present in the United States: This applies when filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status.
• Have been lawfully admitted: You must have entered the country after inspection and authorization, such as with a valid visa or entry permit.
• Have an immigrant visa available: A visa must be available in your category both when you file the application and when USCIS makes a decision.
• Maintain the qualifying family relationship: Your relationship with the sponsor must remain valid until the application is approved.
• Be admissible for permanent residence: You must not be subject to grounds of inadmissibility, such as serious criminal convictions, immigration violations, or public health concerns.
• Meet the financial requirements: The sponsor must demonstrate income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines by submitting Form I-864.
• Complete the medical examination: You must complete Form I-693 with a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon.
• Pass background checks: These include security, criminal, and immigration background checks.
• Submit complete documentation: All required forms and documents must be submitted without errors.
• Pay the applicable fees: The costs include Form I-130 ($535), Form I-485 ($1,225), and the medical examination ($200–$500).

Essential Documentation

USCIS requires documentary evidence supporting your eligibility for permanent residence. Each document serves a specific purpose: verifying your identity, proving the family relationship, demonstrating that you meet the medical and background-check requirements, and confirming that you will not become a public charge. Make sure all documents are in English or include a certified translation. Essential documents include:

• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
• Approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, from the sponsor.
• Sealed Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
• Birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate, if applicable.
• Copy of passport containing the visa and admission stamp.
• Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
• Two passport-style photographs.
• Photo identification.
• Police records, if you have a criminal history.

Financial Requirements (2026)

The U.S. government requires the sponsor to demonstrate the financial ability to support the beneficiary so that the beneficiary does not depend on public assistance. This is done through Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, which is a legally binding contract.

The sponsor must demonstrate income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which varies depending on household size. For 2026, the levels for Minnesota and the 48 contiguous states are:

• 2 people: $24,650.
• 3 people: $31,075.
• 4 people: $37,500.
• 5 people: $43,925.
• 6 people: $50,350.
• Each additional person: +$6,425.

If the sponsor does not meet the income requirement, they may use a joint sponsor, count qualifying assets, or include the income of household members.