Family-based immigration is one of the more common ways that people enter the United States. Foreign nationals who have family members that are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents can sometimes help their loved ones enter the country.
Family preference visas are one of the simplest means of reconnecting with family living in another country. Family members of those already living in the United States can potentially qualify for a green card, which will let them stay in the country indefinitely. They may eventually be able to naturalize and become citizens themselves.
What family members can qualify for family preference visas?
Children can qualify under multiple different preference categories
The minor, unmarried children of United States citizens receive first preference. Their category has the highest preference when the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews family preference visa applications.
The children of permanent residents can qualify for visas under the second preference category. Both unmarried children under the age of 21 and unmarried children over the age of 21 can potentially qualify under the second preference category. The third preference category is for the married sons and daughters of United States citizens. Finally, the fourth category is for brothers and sisters of United States citizens.
Those who are permanent residents hoping to reconnect with siblings or married children may determine that naturalizing is the best way to help their family members enter the country. Green card holders who become naturalized citizens will have more opportunities to support the immigration efforts of their loved ones.
Learning more about family immigration options can help you bring the people you love to the United States.