If you are a Bangladeshi citizen looking to bring your family to the U.S., this comprehensive guide will take you step by step through the entire process — from eligibility, required documents, forms, and timelines, to interview preparation and legal support.
How Family-Based Immigration U.S. from Bangladesh Works
Family-based immigration allows a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence in the United States.
Immediate Relative vs. Family Preference Categories
Immediate Relatives (IR):
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Spouse of a U.S. citizen (IR-1 / CR-1)
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Unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen (IR-2)
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Parents of a U.S. citizen (IR-5, petitioner ≥21)
IR visas are always available; there is no annual cap.
Family Preference Categories (F):
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F1: Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens
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F2A: Spouse & children (<21) of LPR
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F2B: Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of LPR
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F3: Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens
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F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (petitioning after age 21)
Family Preference visas have annual limits, so wait times can be long.
Eligibility Requirements
Sponsor (Petitioner)
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Must be a U.S. citizen or LPR
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Age ≥18 years
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Must demonstrate financial ability via Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
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Must provide proof of family relationship
Beneficiary (Applicant)
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Must provide proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption papers)
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Must not be inadmissible due to criminal history, immigration violations, or health issues
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If outside the U.S., must process via U.S. Embassy Dhaka
Step-by-Step Family-Based Immigration Process
Step 1 – File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
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Purpose: Establishes relationship
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Documents Needed:
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Form I-130
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Proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR
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Proof of relationship (birth, marriage, adoption certificates)
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Passport-style photos
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Submission: File with USCIS
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Processing Time: Varies (check USCIS)
Step 2 – National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
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Documents Required:
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DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
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Civil documents (birth/marriage certificates, police certificate)
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Affidavit of Support (I-864)
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Tax returns of sponsor
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Passport copy of beneficiary
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Fees: Immigrant visa fee + Affidavit of Support fee
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Next Step: NVC schedules interview at U.S. Embassy Dhaka
Step 3 – Medical Examination & Police Clearance
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Medical Exam: Conducted by U.S. Embassy-approved physician
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Police Certificate: For all applicants aged 16+
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Documents: Passport, DS-260 confirmation, previous medical records
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Requirement: All documents in English and notarized
Step 4 – Visa Interview at U.S. Embassy Dhaka
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Documents to Bring:
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Passport
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DS-260 confirmation page
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Medical exam report
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Police certificate
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Affidavit of Support
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Civil documents (birth, marriage, adoption certificates)
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Appointment letter
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Process: Consular officer verifies relationship, eligibility, and sponsor’s financial ability
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Approval: If approved, immigrant visa is issued
Step 5 – Entry to U.S. & Green Card Issuance
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Entry: Travel to U.S. with immigrant visa
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Conditional Green Card: For marriages under 2 years, file Form I-751 after 2 years to remove conditions
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Green Card Delivery: Sent to U.S. address within several weeks
Required Documents – Quick Checklist
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Petitioner: U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, LPR proof, tax returns, proof of income
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Beneficiary: Passport, birth/marriage/adoption certificates, police certificate, medical report
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Financial Evidence: Form I-864, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements
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Civil Documents: Divorce/death certificates (if applicable), translations, notarizations
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Interview Documents: Appointment letter, DS-260 confirmation, photographs
Typical Timeline & Waiting Periods
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| I-130 Processing | Several months |
| NVC Processing | 3–12+ months |
| Interview Scheduling | Weeks to months (preference categories may take years) |
| Visa Issuance & Entry | 2–6 weeks |
| Green Card Arrival | Several weeks after entry |
Common Pitfalls
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Incomplete/incorrect forms
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Missing or weak evidence of relationship
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Insufficient financial proof
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Not preparing for interview
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Delays in medical exam or police clearance
Why Hire a Bangladeshi U.S. Immigration Lawyer
Hiring an expert ensures:
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Error-free I-130 and DS-260 filing
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Guidance for waivers, appeals, or technical issues
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NVC coordination & interview prep
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Stress reduction and faster process
For professional help, visit Rashel’s Law Desk – Best Immigration Lawyer Bangladesh-USA.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Immediate relatives usually 1–2 years; preference categories may take 1–5+ years.
Yes, through consular processing at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.
You can file an appeal or motion to reopen/reconsider with legal guidance.
USCIS filing fees, DS-260, medical exam, and visa issuance fees. See U.S. Embassy Bangladesh for details.
Passport, DS-260 confirmation, medical exam, police certificate, Affidavit of Support, civil documents, appointment letter, photos.
Call to Action (CTA)
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