Family Immigration
Green Cards for Family of US Citizens
A US citizen may petition for certain family members to receive a green card, a fiancée visa, or a K-3/K-4 Visa based on your relationship.
Green Card for Immediate Relative of US Citizen
Eligible immediate relatives include the U.S. citizen’s:
- Spouse
- Unmarried child under the age of 21
- Parent (if the U.S. citizen is over the age of 21)
Immediate relatives have special immigration priority and do not have to wait in line for a visa number to become available for them to immigrate to the US, or if present in the US, adjust from temporary to permanent status. There are an unlimited number of visas for immediate relatives of US Citizens.
Green Card for Other Family Member of US Citizen
If the family member of the U.S. citizen is not an immediate relative, then the U.S. citizen may still be able to sponsor that relative based on “family preference category.”
Eligible relatives include the following preference categories:
- Unmarried sons or daughters over the age of 21
- Married child(ren) of any age
- Brothers and sisters (if the U.S. citizen petitioner is over the age of 21)
Congress has limited the number of relatives who may immigrate to the US, or if present in the US, adjust from temporary to permanent status. The visa limitations are based on the above-mentioned categories each year, so there is usually a waiting period before an immigrant visa number becomes available.
Green Cards for Family of Green Card Holders
As a Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder), you may petition for certain family members to immigrate to the US, or if present in the US, adjust from temporary to permanent status.
You May Petition for the Following Family Members:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried son or daughter of any age
Preference Categories
When petitioning for your relative, the following preference categories apply:
- First preference: Unmarried, adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. (Adult means 21 or older)
- Second Preference (2A): Spouses of Green Card Holders or unmarried children (under 21) of Permanent Residents
- Second Preference (2B): Unmarried adult sons and daughters of Permanent Residents
- Third Preference: Married sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens
- Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens
Robinson Kirlew & Associates can help you navigate the process. Contact us at info@robinsonkirlew.com.