Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain relatives for permanent residence (green cards) in the United States. The process is divided into two main categories: Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens and Family Preference Immigrants.

Green Card for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

Immediate relatives include spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older). This category has several advantages, such as:

  • No Visa Caps: Immediate relatives are not subject to annual numerical visa limits, meaning they generally experience shorter processing times.
  • Eligibility Criteria: U.S. citizens can sponsor their immediate relatives regardless of the petitioner’s age or marital status. However, parents can only be sponsored by U.S. citizens who are 21 years or older.

Immediate relatives must go through the standard green card process, which involves filing an I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) and demonstrating a valid family relationship. The process may also involve an adjustment of status for those already in the U.S., or consular processing for those outside the country.

Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants

Family preference categories are available to relatives who do not qualify as immediate relatives. These categories are subject to annual visa limits, meaning wait times can be much longer due to visa backlogs. Family preference categories include:

  • F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years or older) of U.S. Citizens
  • F2A: Spouses and Unmarried Children (under 21) of Lawful Permanent Residents
  • F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years or older) of Lawful Permanent Residents
  • F3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
  • F4: Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years or older)

Each family preference category has a limited number of visas available annually, resulting in varying wait times depending on the relationship and the applicant’s country of origin.

Our Services

Our firm provides assistance with petitions for both immediate relatives and family preference immigrants, helping families reunite as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Whether you need guidance on eligibility, processing times, or documentation requirements, we can provide professional insight into all aspects of family-based green card petitions.