Each intended family member has their own identity and eligibility record. The official FAQ directs intended eligible spouse and unmarried children under 21 into the initial application. Current official terms add a US$15,000 processing fee and US$1,000,000 gift for each eligible joining spouse or unmarried child under 21, including corporate cases; confirm individual eligibility and the operative instructions.
Prepare the household records individually
Each eligible joining relative adds a US$1 million gift and US$15,000 processing fee. The principal’s payment or document correction does not establish another person’s status.
Cross-chargeability exists in immigrant visa practice, but it is claimed on the record for a legally married spouse who is actually accompanying or following to join, and it is assessed by the deciding officer. Employment-based categories differ sharply on the first question, since some accompanying spouses are employment-authorized incident to status and others are not permitted to work at all, and that single difference often decides which route a household prefers. Build the total from the actual list of people rather than from a headline figure describing one principal, because a family comparison drawn from single-applicant numbers understates one side substantially. On the official description the fee starts an application and vetting; permanent residence follows only if the applicant passes vetting, makes the gift and qualifies under the EB-1 or EB-2 immigrant categories, including ordinary admissibility rules.