Family-Based Immigrant Visas

Family unification is an important concern of U.S. immigration law. At The Farr Group, we understand the importance of bringing our clients' families together as quickly and efficiently as possible, and we work hard to achieve that result for our clients. The U.S. government divides family-based visas into a two rough groups: immediate relatives and family preference category immigrants; not all family relationships may serve as a basis for obtaining permanent resident status in the United States.

Immediate Relatives

Immediate relatives include:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens
• Minor unmarried children (under 21) of U.S. Citizens
• Parents of U.S. citizens
• Spouses of deceased U.S. citizens

Immediate relatives are not subject to the same lengthy delays in processing that the U.S. government imposes on family preference category immigrants. Such delays, depending on the relationship to the applicant and the country of origination, can be measured in years. Unlike preference category immigrants, however, spouses or children of immediate relatives do not receive the same tratment as immediate relatives and may have to wait much longer than the applicant's immediate relatives.

Family Preference Categories

Preference immigrants are divided into four categories:

• First Preference: Unmarried sons or daughters of U.S. citizens
• Second Preference:
  • Category 2A: Spouses of permanent residents
  • Category 2B: Unmarried sons or daughters of permanent residents
• Third Preference: Married sons or daughters of U.S. citizens
• Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who are over 21 years of age

Persons who immigrate to the U.S. based on a family preference category can face long delays. There is one benefit: the spouse or child of the person who is entitled to immigrate under a family preference category has the same priority as that person, so families can immigrate together.

Call or email us today. 407-822-4222.

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