Allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to petition for certain relatives to obtain permanent residency (green card).
Paths to Apply:
There are two main paths to obtaining a green card through family:
- Adjustment of Status:For family members already in the U.S. who may be eligible to adjust their status without returning to their home country.
- Consular Processing:For relatives outside the U.S. or those who are not eligible for adjustment of status, through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Eligibility:
If your family member is a U.S. Citizen:
- Immediate Relatives:Spouse, unmarried children under 21, or parents of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21+)
- Preference Categories: Unmarried adult children (21+), married children, or siblings of U.S. citizens
If your family member is a permanent resident:
- Spouse, unmarried children under 21, or unmarried adult children (21+)
Special Categories:
You may qualify for permanent residence (green card) if you are:
- A battered spouse or child of a U.S. citizen
- A fiance(e) or spouse of a U.S. citizen with a K-visa, or their accompanying child
- A widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen
- A V visa holder
- Born to a foreign diplomat in the U.S.
