Overview
FAMILY BASED PETITIONS - OVERVIEW
Immigration to the USA thru a family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident is the most common way of gaining US residency. All that is required is the qualifying family relationship. The ease with which a person can immigrate through a family member is in keeping with American notions of the importance of the family.
RELATIVE PETITIONS:
» Marriage Petition - Husband/Wife Marriage
» Parent-Child Petition
» Siblings Petition
» K1 Visa - Fiancé Visa
» K2 Visa - Visa for Children of Fiancé Spouse
» K3 Visa - Visa for the Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
» K4 Visa - Visa for the Child of a U.S. Citizen Spouse
Which relationships qualify to sponsor a visa?
The first question to address in a family-based immigration case is whether a qualifying family relationship exists. Qualifying relationships are grouped into two main categories – immediate relatives and other close family members. Immediate relatives of US citizens are given special preferential treatment. First and foremost, they are allowed to immigrate in unlimited numbers.
Who is considered an immediate relative?
The following are immediate relatives:
- Spouses
- Children, unmarried and under 21
- Parents
Who can be considered a preference relative?
Other close family members of citizens and permanent residents are also allowed to immigrate, subject to annual numerical limitations. The following are other relatives who are allowed to immigrate:
- Unmarried adult children of citizens
- Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents Married adult children of citizens
- Siblings of citizens
There are many technical rules relating to the allotment of visas in this group, as well as definitions of the family relationship.
