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US Immigration Rules For Family

The United States immigration rules for family are complex and can be confusing. Here is a brief overview of the main categories of family-sponsored immigration:

  • Immediate relatives:

This category includes the spouse, children (under 21 years of age), and parents of a U.S. citizen. There are no limits on the number of immediate relatives who can immigrate to the United States each year.

  • Family preference:

This category includes other family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

There are four family preference categories:

  • First preference: unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens
  • Second preference: spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents
  • Third preference: married sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens
  • Fourth preference: siblings of U.S. citizens

US Immigration Rules For Family

Related:

The number of family preference visas that are available each year is limited. The number of visas available in each category is determined by a formula that takes into account the number of visas that were unused in previous years.

To apply for a family-based immigrant visa, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must be approved before the foreign family member can apply for an immigrant visa.

The application process for a family-based immigrant visa can be complex and time-consuming. You can Contact with our immigration team if you are considering applying for a family-based immigrant visa.

The immigration rules for family can be confusing and difficult to navigate. If you are considering immigrating to the United States with your family, you can contact with our Immigration team.

Here are some specific examples of how the family-based immigration rules work:

  • A U.S. citizen can petition for their spouse to immigrate to the United States. The spouse would be considered an immediate relative and would not have to wait in line for a visa.

  • A lawful permanent resident can petition for their unmarried child (under 21 years of age) to immigrate to the United States. The child would be considered a family preference first preference immigrant and would have to wait in line for a visa.

  • A U.S. citizen can petition for their married son or daughter to immigrate to the United States. The son or daughter would be considered a family preference third preference immigrant and would have to wait in line for a visa.

  • A U.S. citizen can petition for their brother or sister to immigrate to the United States. The brother or sister would be considered a family preference fourth preference immigrant and would have to wait in line for a visa.

The waiting times for family-based immigrant visas can vary depending on the category. Immediate relatives do not have to wait in line for a visa, but family preference immigrants may have to wait several years. The waiting time for a family preference visa can be even longer if the visa category is oversubscribed.

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