Family Based Immigration
Family Based Immigration
Persons seeking to immigrate in one of the family based preference categories will qualify for immigrant status only if they have the necessary relationship to a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident as described below.
For detailed information (including petition filing instructions) regarding all categories of immigrant visas, please consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs website:
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/immigrants_1340.html
and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
The family-based immigration categories include any children of the principal applicant.
Family First Preference (F1): An unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age (for children under 21, please see the IR2 category).
Family Second Preference (F2): A spouse and unmarried children of a lawful permanent resident.
Family Third Preference (F3): Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen.
Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen.
PLEASE NOTE:
• Grandparents, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, and
in-laws cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.
• A lawful permanent resident cannot sponsor a married son or daughter for immigration.