Family-Based Immigration

Family-sponsored immigration can be divided into two broad categories. The first category is that of "immediate relative", which includes the parents, spouses, and unmarried minor children of U.S. citizens. Immediate relatives may obtain permanent residence.  The second category is a four-tier preference system. This category is subject to numerical quotas that can vary the waiting periods for obtaining an immigrant visa from 5 to 20 years, depending on the relationship and the beneficiary's place of birth. The first-preference category is for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens. The second-preference is divided into two subcategories, "A" and "B". The second-preference "A" category includes spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents, and the second-preference "B" category includes unmarried children over 21 of lawful permanent residents. The third-preference category applies to married children of U.S. citizens, while the fourth category deals with siblings of U.S. citizens. Please contact our office for more information.

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