Links:
Dept. of Homeland Security Dept. of State Dept. of Labor Check the Status of your case with CIS
CIS Processing Times

Family Immigration

A foreign national can immigrate to the United States based on his or her relationship to a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Immediate Relatives of US citizens (spouses, parents and children under 21) immigrate without lengthy waiting periods. All other qualifying relatives immigrate based on a preference and quota system that can mean years of delay. The categories of qualifying relatives are:

  • Sons and daughters of US citizens (1st preference category)
  • Spouses and minor children (under 21) of permanent residents (2nd preference category 2A)
  • Unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents (2nd preference category 2B)
  • Married children of US citizens (3rd preference category)
  • Siblings (brothers and sisters) of US citizens (4th preference category)

Other relatives that may enter the United States include fiancé(e)s of US citizens if they meet certain criteria.

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