Immigration visas allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their relatives to come to the United States. These visas help keep families together by allowing eligible relatives to live and work permanently in the U.S.
There are two primary categories of family-sponsored visas: Immediate Relative Visas and Family Preference Visas. Each has different eligibility requirements and processing times.
Immediate Relative Visas
Immediate relative visas are available only to close family members of U.S. citizens and offer the fastest path to legal residency. These visas are not subject to annual numerical limits, meaning eligible applicants can obtain them as soon as their paperwork is processed.
The five types of immediate relative visas include spouses (IR-1), unmarried children under 21 (IR-2), parents of U.S. citizens over 21 (IR-5), orphans adopted abroad (IR-3), and orphans to be adopted in the U.S. (IR-4).
Family Preference Visas
Family preference visas apply to more distant family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. These visas are subject to annual limits, leading to longer wait times based on country quotas and visa availability.
The categories include unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens (F1), spouses and children of LPRs (F2), married children of U.S. citizens (F3), and siblings of U.S. citizens (F4). Because demand often exceeds availability, applicants may face significant delays before receiving their visa.
Talk to Bartlett Law, PLLC
Our firm helps families navigate the immigration process efficiently, ensuring loved ones can reunite in the U.S. Contact us today to learn more.