SUNTOSO LAW
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Family-Based Immigration

   

 
 

There are two general categories through which one may obtain lawful permanent residency through a family member, Immediate Relatives and Family-Sponsored. The differences between these two categories are significant. Immediate Relatives, or the parents, spouse, or unmarried and under 21 year-old child of a United States Citizen, are not subject to a visa waitlist. However, those who qualify for a Family-Sponsored visa could be subject to a long wait depending on the annual numerical limitation. Please remember that a foreign national has no right to visit the United States during the prolonged wait for a visa.

 The five categories of people who qualify for a Family-Sponsored visa are listed below.

 A cutoff date for processing is updated monthly at the Visa Bulletin:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html

 

First preference  Unmarried, adult son or daughter of a U.S. citizen

Second preference (A) — Spouse or child of lawful permanent resident

Second preference (B) — Unmarried adult son or daughter of permanent resident

Third preference — Married, adult son or daughter of U.S. citizen

Fourth preference — Sibling of a U.S. citizen