Family Based Green Card

Immigrant Petitions for Family Reunification
 

  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens:

United States citizens may apply for certain immediate relatives who are not subject to annual visa caps and may receive an immediate immigrant visa. Immediate relatives include the spouse of a U.S. citizen, parents of a U.S. citizen, and minor unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of a U.S. citizen. In addition to being eligible for an immediate immigrant visa, immediate relatives are waived certain past immigration violations. Documentary proof of the qualifying relationship is required, and a spouse must further establish that the marriage is bona fide and was entered into in good faith.

 

  • Other family members of U.S. citizens:

United States citizens may also apply for non-immediate relatives, which include unmarried children over 21 years of age, married children of any age, and siblings. Immigrant visas for these family members are subject to annual limitations and require waiting for the applicant’s priority date to become current for visa processing. The beneficiary’s spouse and minor children may also be included, and do not require a separate application. Applicants must submit proof of the qualifying relationship.

 

  • Family members of U.S. lawful permanent residents:

United States lawful permanent residents may only apply for their spouse and unmarried children. Immigrant visas for these family members are also subject to annual limitations and require waiting for the applicant’s priority date to become current for visa processing. The beneficiary’s spouse and minor children may also be included, and do not require a separate application. Applicants must submit proof of the qualifying relationship.