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. CITIZENA 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 HOLDERA 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. CITIZENA visa is immediately available for the parent of a U.S. Citizen. There is no age limit for parents. |
PARENT OF A GREEN CARD HOLDERA Green Card holder is ineligible to file a family-based petition for their parents |
CHILDREN OF U.S. CITIZENSA 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 HOLDERSA 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. CITIZENSA 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 HOLDERSA 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.
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SIBLINGS OF U.S. CITIZENSA 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 HOLDERSA Green Card holder is ineligible to file a family-based petition for their siblings.
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FIANCÉ(E)OF U.S. CITIZENSA 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. CITIZENSA Green Card holder is ineligible to file a petition for their fiancé(e).
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