U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may petition for certain family members to obtain green cards for entry and residence in the U.S. The charts below explain the family members that a U.S. citizen and Permanent Resident may petition for and the classification assigned to each family member.

Family visas are divided into two classifications, Immediate Relatives and Preference categories. Immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen always have a visa available, and therefore do not have to wait for a visa to become current. Preference category relatives however, must wait for their priority dates to become current

Find out how to pursue a green card for your:

SPOUSE OF A U.S. CITIZEN

A visa is immediately available for the spouse of a U.S. Citizen

Conditional permanent resident status granted if married less than 2 years at time of Green Card issuance.

Children of primary applicant are ineligible for derivative status through primary applicant. Separate petitions are required.

SPOUSE OF A GREEN CARD HOLDER

A Green Card holder may apply for their spouse; however, a visa will not be immediately available.

Conditional permanent resident status granted if married less than 2 years at time of green card issuance.

Children of primary applicant are generally eligible for derivative status through primary applicant.

PARENT OF A U.S. CITIZEN

A visa is immediately available for the parent of a U.S. Citizen.

There is no age limit for parents.

PARENT OF A GREEN CARD HOLDER

A Green Card holder is ineligible to file a family-based petition for their parents

CHILDREN OF U.S. CITIZENS

A visa is immediately available for the children of U.S. citizens.

A “child” is someone who is younger than 21 years old and not married.

CHILDREN OF GREEN CARD HOLDERS

A Green Card holder may petition for their un-married children under 21 years old.

A visa number is not immediately available for the children of Green Card holders.

A Green Card holder may petition for step-children and adopted children if certain conditions are met.

CHILDREN OF U.S. CITIZENS

A U.S. citizen may petition for their married or un-married sons and daughters.

A visa number is not immediately available for the sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.

The spouse and children of sons/daughters may be included on the same petition.

CHILDREN OF GREEN CARD HOLDERS

A Green Card holder may apply for their un-married sons and daughters 21 years of age or older.

A visa number is not immediately available for the sons and daughters of Green Card holders.

The spouse and children of sons/daughters may be included on the same petition.

SIBLINGS OF U.S. CITIZENS

A U.S. citizen may file a petition for their brother or sister.

Spouses and children of brothers and sisters are eligible for derivative status

Siblings related through adoption or step-siblings are eligible if certain requirements are met

SIBLINGS OF GREEN CARD HOLDERS

A Green Card holder is ineligible to file a family-based petition for their siblings.

FIANCÉ(E)OF U.S. CITIZENS

A U.S. Citizen may petition for their fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. for purposes of marriage

Marriage must occur within 90 days of admission.

Un-married children under 21 years old of the fiancé(e) may receive K-2 status

Fiancé(e) is eligible for work authorization after admission

After marriage occurs within the 90 day period, fiancé(e) may apply for Green Card in the U.S.

FIANCÉ(E)OF U.S. CITIZENS

A Green Card holder is ineligible to file a petition for their fiancé(e).

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