family immigration

Family Based Immigration

A foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the United States  requires an immigrant visa (IV). To be eligible to apply for an IV, a  foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at  least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful  Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).

There are two types of family-based immigrant visas:

Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family  relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The  number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.

Family Preference – these visas are for specific, more  distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified  relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of  immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year. 

 U.S. citizens can file an immigrant visa petition for their:

• Spouse
• Son or daughter
• Parent
• Brother or sister

U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file an immigrant visa petition for their:

• Spouse
• Unmarried son or daughter