Family Immigration
Immediate Relatives
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have no numerical limits and no waiting periods. This includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older.
Family Preference Categories
Family preference categories have annual numerical limits and may have waiting periods. These include more distant relatives and some relationships with permanent residents.
Immediate Relatives Requirements
Eligibility Requirements for Immediate Relatives
- U.S. citizen petitioner (spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents of U.S. citizens over 21)
- Proof of qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Petitioner must meet income requirements or have a sponsor
- Beneficiary must pass medical examination and background check
- No numerical limits or waiting periods for immediate relatives
Family Preference Categories
F1 - First Preference
Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children
F2A - Second Preference A
Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents
F2B - Second Preference B
Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of permanent residents
F3 - Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their families
F4 - Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens and their families
Current Wait Times
Wait times vary significantly by country of birth. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin for current priority dates.
Family Immigration Process
Step-by-Step Family Immigration Process
File Form I-130 Petition
U.S. citizen or permanent resident files petition to establish qualifying relationship
Required Documents:
- •Form I-130
- •Filing fee ($535)
- •Evidence of petitioner's status
- •Evidence of relationship
Wait for Priority Date
For family preference categories, wait until priority date becomes current (immediate relatives skip this step)
Required Documents:
- •Monitor Visa Bulletin monthly
- •Maintain valid status if in U.S.
Apply for Immigration Visa or Adjustment of Status
Apply for immigrant visa at consulate abroad or adjust status if in the U.S.
Required Documents:
- •Form I-485 (if in U.S.) or DS-260 (if abroad)
- •Medical exam
- •Financial support evidence
- •Background checks
Attend Interview and Receive Decision
Complete biometrics, attend interview, and receive approval or denial
Required Documents:
- •All original documents
- •Updated financial evidence
- •Any requested additional evidence
Key Forms and Documents
Primary Forms
- • Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
- • Form I-485: Application to Adjust Status (if in U.S.)
- • Form DS-260: Online Immigrant Visa Application (if abroad)
- • Form I-864: Affidavit of Support
Supporting Documents
- • Birth certificates and marriage certificates
- • Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- • Financial documents and tax returns
- • Medical examination results
Specialized Family Immigration Categories
K Visas: Fiancé(e) & Spouse Visas
K-1 fiancé(e) visas allow U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. to marry within 90 days. K-3 spouse visas (rarely used) were designed for spouses waiting for I-130 processing.
- • K-1: Fiancé(e) visa - must marry within 90 days
- • K-2: Children of K-1 fiancé(e) (under 21, unmarried)
- • K-3: Spouse visa (rarely used - direct I-130 usually faster)
- • K-4: Children of K-3 spouse
Adoption Immigration
Two main pathways exist for bringing adopted children to the U.S.: Hague Convention adoptions and traditional orphan petitions for non-Hague countries.
- • Hague Adoptions: I-800A and I-800 process
- • Non-Hague Adoptions: I-600A and I-600 orphan petitions
- • Requirements: Home study, approved agencies
- • Citizenship: May be automatic under Child Citizenship Act
Family Immigration Resources
Need Professional Help?
Family immigration can be complex, especially for cases involving previous immigration violations, criminal history, or complicated family relationships. Consider consulting with a qualified immigration attorney.