Family Based Immigration (“Green Card”)
Are You Eligible For Permanent Residency ("Green Card") Through A Relative?
Obtaining permanent resident status ("green card") in the United States through a family member is a viable option for many individuals. A person may qualify for a green card through relatives if they fall into one of the following categories:
Obtaining permanent resident status ("green card") in the United States through a family member is a viable option for many individuals. A person may qualify for a green card through relatives if they fall into one of the following categories:
- Immediate Relative of a U.S. citizen;
- Preference Relative of a U.S. citizen or green card holder; or
- Accompanying relative of someone in a preference category.
Immediate Relatives of U.S. citizens
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may immigrate to the United States in unlimited numbers. Currently, there is no annual limit or quota that applies to this category. The following individuals qualify for immediate relative status:
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may immigrate to the United States in unlimited numbers. Currently, there is no annual limit or quota that applies to this category. The following individuals qualify for immediate relative status:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens (including widows and widowers of U.S. citizens who were married to U.S. citizens for at least two years and are applying for a green card within two years of the U.S. citizens's death);
- Unmarried children of U.S. citizens that are under the age of 21;
- Parents of U.S. citizens. The U.S. citizen petitioner must be 21 years of age.
Preference Relatives of U.S. citizens or green card holders
Individuals may qualify for a green card through a realative if they fall within one of the preference categories listed below. However, depending on the demand, these individuals will most likely have to wait in line, possibly for many years, prior to being able to obtain a green card.
Individuals may qualify for a green card through a realative if they fall within one of the preference categories listed below. However, depending on the demand, these individuals will most likely have to wait in line, possibly for many years, prior to being able to obtain a green card.
- Family First Preference. Unmarried children, any age, of U.S. citizens.
- Family Second Preference.
- 2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of green card holders; and
- 2B: Unmarried sons and duaghters of green card holders, who are at least 21 years old.
- Family Third Preference. Married children of U.S. citizens.
- Family Fourth Preference. Sisters and brothers of U.S. citizens. The U.S. citizen must be at least 21 years of age.