Green Cards through Relatives


Immigration of foreigners to the United States is allowed based on their relationship with US citizens or legal permanent residents. Family based immigration is divided into two groups:

(1) unlimited – with no numeric limit on it; and

(2) limited – has annual numeric limit.

U.S. citizens may petition for spouses, parents, children and siblings.

Permanent residents may petition for spouses and children.

 

VISAS WITH NO NUMERIC LIMIT:
Who are eligible:
1. Spouses of US citizens;
2. Widows/Widowers of US Citizens; must have been married to the deceased for at least two years and be widowed within two years of the application;
3. Unmarried people under the age of 21 with at least one US citizen parent;
4. Parents of US Citizens, if the citizen child is over the age of 21;
5. Adopted children of US Citizens where the formal adopting relationship occurred before the child's 16th birthday; and
6. Stepchildren or stepparents of US Citizens where the family relationship began before the stepchild's 18th birthday

 

VISAS WITH ANNUAL NUMERIC LIMIT
Preference Immigrants:

1. First Preference—Unmarried sons or daughters of U.S. citizens (i.e., those who are 21 years of age or older).

2. Second Preference
a. Spouses or children of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence; 21 or
b. Unmarried sons or daughters of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

3. Third Preference—Married sons or daughters of citizens of the United States.

4. Fourth Preference—Brothers or sisters of citizens of the United States, if such citizens are at least 21 years of age.

To determine priority dates for family based immigration, please go to www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html

 

Disclaimer: The information contained on this website pertains to the law and legal procedures in general. It is neither intended to give legal advice for any specific case or situation, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the legal aspects of your situation, you should seek legal advice from a professional immediately. Our law firm does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these materials. We shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits, which may result from the use of or reliance on these materials.