FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION
Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen
You are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen if you are:
- The child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of a U.S. citizen
- The spouse (husband or wife) of a U.S. citizen
- The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years or older)
Family Member of a U.S. Citizen in a Preference Category
You are a family member of a U.S. citizen in a preference category if you are:
- An unmarried son or daughter (21 years or older) of a U.S. citizen
- A married son or daughter (any age) of a U.S. citizen
- A sibling (brother or sister) of a U.S. citizen
If Your Family Member is a Permanent Resident
You may be able to get a green card as a family member in a preference category if your family member filed a Form I-130 on your behalf. For more information on immigrant petitions, see the “Family” link to the right.
Family member of a permanent resident in a preference category
You are a family member of a permanent resident in a preference category if you are:
- The spouse of a permanent resident
- The child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of permanent resident
- The unmarried son or daughter (21 years or older) of a permanent resident
Green Card Through Special Categories of Family
You may also be eligible to get a green card if you:
- Are a battered child or spouse of a U.S. citizen
- Entered the United States with a K visa as the fiancé(e) or spouse of a U.S. citizen or an accompanying child
- Obtained V nonimmigrant status
- Are a widow(er) of a U.S. citizen
- Are born to a foreign diplomat in the United States
