There are two types of family-based immigrant visas:
Family Preference – these visas are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). The number of immigrants in these categories is limited each fiscal year.
Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent. The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.
Keep in mind that U.S. citizens can file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Son or daughter
• Parent
• Brother or sister
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file an immigrant visa petition for their:
• Spouse
• Unmarried son or daughter
Begin your Family based Immigrant VISA process here.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent resident petitioners residing in the United States must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This can be done either electronically or through the traditional paper process through the mail.
Your immigrant petition must be approved by USCIS before your case can proceed to the National Visa Center.
Effective October 1, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Technical Instructions for panel physicians require all immigrant visa applicants to receive a full COVID-19 vaccine series as part of their medical exam prior to being issued a visa. The CDC requires the COVID-19 vaccine to be approved through either the World Health Organization (WHO) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
