Most people gain lawful permanent residence in the United States through a family connection.
Family-based immigrant visa numbers are distributed according to preference categories. The higher you rank on the preference scale, the sooner you’re likely to receive a number. The following are the four family-preference categories:
- First preference: Unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 or older) of U.S. citizens
- Second preference: Spouses of lawful permanent residents and their unmarried children of any age
- Third preference: Married sons and daughters, any age, of U.S. citizens
- Fourth preference: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older
Note: The spouse of a US Citizen or the unmarried son or daughter (under the age of 21) of a US Citizen do not fall within the above categories since an immigrant visa should be immediately available under such circumstances.
We can help f you are planning to petition for your relative to join you in the American Dream, or if you would like your spouse or your children to come live with you in the US permanently.