Family based
Immigrant Visas are used in order for United
States citizens and lawful permanent
residents to bring family members from other
countries to live permanently in the United
States.
The U.S. immigration laws have certain
provisions for nonimmigrant visa holders,
lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens
to bring their dependent spouse and
unmarried children under 21 years to The
United States on a family visa.
If you are a
US Citizen you may petition for the
following foreign national relatives to
immigrate to the United States; however you
must be able to provide proof of the
relationships:
Husband
or wife
Unmarried
child under 21 years old
Unmarried
son or daughter over 21
Married
son or daughter of any age
Brother
or sister, if you are at least 21 years
old
Parent,
if you are at least 21 years old
Family
relationships are prioritized. The higher up
on the list, the higher priority they are
given. It is also important to know that
petitions made by U.S. citizens are given
higher priority than those made by permanent
residents.
Category
U.S. Sponsor
Relationship
Immediate Relative
U.S. Citizen
spouses, unmarried
minor children
1st Preference
U.S. Citizen
unmarried adult
children
2nd A Preference
LPR
spouses and minor
children
2nd B Preference
LPR
unmarried adult
children
3rd Preference
U.S. Citizen
married adult
children
4th Preference
U.S. Citizen
brothers and sisters
To be a sponsor of an
immigrant relative, you
must be at least 18 years
old and a U.S. citizen or a
lawful permanent resident.
You must have a residence in
the United States or a
territory or possession of
the United States. Usually,
this requirement means you
must actually live in the
United States, or a
territory or possession, in
order to be a sponsor. You
also must meet certain
income requirements.
Contact The Sheena
Law Firm today if
you have questions
or concerns about
family-based visa
matters.
