Family Based Immigration

Family-based immigration is a category of U.S. immigration that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States. The family members who can be sponsored under this category include spouses, children, parents, and siblings.

The process for family-based immigration varies depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the family member being sponsored. There are two main types of family-based immigration: immediate relatives and family preference categories.

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older. There is no limit on the number of visas that can be issued for immediate relatives, and the process for sponsoring them is generally faster than for family preference categories.

Family preference categories include unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens, spouses and unmarried children of LPRs, married children of U.S. citizens, and siblings of U.S. citizens. These categories have numerical limits on the number of visas that can be issued each year, which can result in long waiting periods for some individuals.

To sponsor a family member for immigration, the U.S. citizen or LPR must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The family member being sponsored must also meet certain eligibility criteria and go through a background check and interview process.

The process for family-based immigration can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to consult with an immigration attorney or qualified legal professional for guidance and advice.