Family Immigration

Under the U.S. Immigration Law, there are two types of family immigration

• Immediate Relatives: There are five types of Immediate Relatives
  • IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
  • IR-2: Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of a U.S. Citizen
  • IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen
  • IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen
  • IR-5: Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old

There is no cap on how many visas can be issued under the Immediate Relative category.

• Family Preference: There are 4 types of family preference categories
  
  • First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their minor children, if any.
  • Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of LPRs. At least seventy-seven percent of all visas available for this category will go to the spouses and children; the remainder is allocated to unmarried sons and daughters. 
  • Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children.
  • Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age.

There is a cap on these categories and limited visas can be issued to each category every year. Applicants in these categories have to wait in line with others until their priority date becomes available and they are eligible to get a visa.

Adjustment of Status while in the U.S.

Certain applicants may be eligible to get permanent resident card (Green Card) without leaving the U.S. and completing the process in their home country. If all the necessary requirements are met, an applicant may file I-485 (Application to register permanent residency or Adjust Status) and obtain permanent residency without leaving the country.

 Our firm can help you achieve your goals without unnecessary delay that often results whe the complex immigration laws and procedures are not followed with precision. Call us today  to schedule an appointment to discuss your family immigration matter.