The Immigration and Nationality Act allows for the immigration of foreigners to the United States based on relationship to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Family-based immigration falls under two basic categories: unlimited and limited.
- UNLIMITED FAMILY-BASED
Immediate Relatives
of U.S. Citizens (IR)
The spouse,
widow(er) and unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen, and the
parent of a U.S. citizen who is 21 or older.
Returning Residents
(SB)
Immigrants who lived in the United States previously as lawful permanent
residents and are returning to live in the U.S. after a temporary visit
of more than one year abroad.
- LIMITED FAMILY-BASED
aFamily
Based First Preference (FB1)
Unmarried
sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children, if any.
Family Based
Second Preference (FB2)
Spouses, minor
children, and unmarried sons and daughters (over age 20) of lawful permanent
residents.
Family Based
Third Preference (FB3)
Married sons
and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and children.
Family Based
Fourth Preference (FB4)
Brothers and
sisters of United States citizens, and their spouses and children, provided
the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age.