Family Immigration

Most immigrants come to the United States through immigrant visa petitions filed by relatives who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Immediate relatives of US citizens are exempt from numerical quotas and usually may immigrate quickly. Immediate relatives include spouses and children (less than 21 years old) of US citizens and parents of US citizens who are 21 years or older.

In addition to immediate relatives, there are five categories of family members of US citizens and lawful permanent residents who may immigrate to the United States. Because these categories are subject to annual quotas, the wait to obtain immigrant visas may be many years.