Family-Based Visas

Spouse and Children of Legal Permanent Residents

Lawful Permanent Residents may ONLY file for their spouses and unmarried sons or daughters. Spouses and sons and daughters under age 21 are in the Family-Based Second Preference “A” category. Sons and daughters age 21 and over are in the Family-Based Second Preference...

Married Son or Daughter of U.S. Citizen

U.S. citizens may file for their married sons and daughters under the F3 preference category. The processing times are lengthy, but when approved and the priority date is current the adult married sons and daughters, and any dependents are eligible to immigrate to the...

Unmarried Son or Daughter of U.S. Citizen – Under 21 Years

U.S. citizen’s children under age 21 are considered immediate relatives. Stepchildren are eligible as immediate relatives if the marriage took place before the child turned 18 years old. Adopted children may qualify under certain circumstances. Legislation known as...

Brother or Sister of U.S. Citizen

Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens age 21 and over fall under the F4 preference category. Step-siblings can qualify under this preference if the marriage creating the step-child relationship of each sibling to the stepparent took place before the step-child’s 18th...

Unmarried Son or Daughter of U.S. Citizen – Over 21 Years

Immigrant visas are not immediately available for son/daughters of U.S. Citizens over the age of 21. The waiting line typically lasts for more than one year. Mexico, India, China and the Philippines have much longer waiting periods. If the son/daughter marries...