The United States citizen may file a family petition using the Form I-130 for the following relatives:
Immediate Relatives
The spouses, children (unmarried and under 21) and parents of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives. Visas are always available for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. This means your family member does not need to wait in line for a visa. Immediate relatives who are in the United States can filed the form I-485 at the same time as Form I-130.
Other Family Members
Also known as preference categories, it applies to family members who are not immediate relatives. The visas allotted for these categories are subject to annual numerical limits. A visa becomes available to a preference category based on the priority date (the date the Form I-130 was filed). Preference categories are grouped as follows:
Permanent residents of the United States, also know as green card holders may petition for certain family members to immigrate to the United States as permanent residents:
When a lawful permanent resident petitions for a relative, the following preference categories apply:
A visa becomes available to a preference category according to the priority date (the date the I-130 was properly filed).
LAW OFFICE OF JIMENA G. CABRERA
SPECIALIZING EXCLUSIVELY IN IMMIGRATION LAW
EB-5 INVESTOR REPRESENTATION
The process for a family member to receive the status of permanent resident (Green Card), begin by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the family relationship that exists between you and your relative. Sometimes the I-130 can be filed together with an application for permanent residence, known as Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.