Family-Based Immigration
To be admitted through family-based immigration, a U.S. citizen or LPR must file a petition, establish the legitimacy of the relationship, meet minimum income requirements, and sign an affidavit of support demonstrating financial responsibility for the immigrant relative once in the U.S.
Immediate Relatives:
There is no statutory limit to the number of immediate relatives allowed each year. Immediate relatives include spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children of U.S. citizens under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens over 21.
Persons seeking to immigrate as an immediate relative must meet certain eligibility criteria, and persons seeking to bring their immediate relatives to the U.S. must meet certain age and financial requirements.
Family Preference System:
A limited number of immigrant visas are also available each year under the family preference system. The preference system includes adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens, and spouses and unmarried children of LPRs.
