What is the difference between an immediate relative and preference family petition?
The purpose of the family preference petition is to reunite families. Most notably, while immediate relative petition beneficiaries always have immigrant visas available to them, family preference petition beneficiaries are subject to a numerical limit each fiscal year.
How long does it take for an immediate relative to get a green card?
For immediate relatives (spouse, children and parents) of U.S. citizens, there is an unlimited number of immigrant visas and approval can be obtained in approximately 5 to 9 months.
What is the difference between an NIV and IV?
An immigrant visa (IV) is issued to a person wishing to live permanently in the U.S. A nonimmigrant visa (NIV) is issued to a person with permanent residence outside the United States, but wishes to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study, as examples.
Can a green card holder sponsor siblings?
However, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., or green card holders, cannot sponsor siblings. They must go through the naturalization process to become citizens before applying on behalf of a brother or sister.
What is family preference category?
The family preference categories include: Unmarried, adult sons and daughters (age 21 or over) of U.S. citizens. Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of permanent residents. Unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents. Married sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens.
Should I apply for an immediate relative or family preference visa?
Because there is usually a wait before a visa number is available, it’s recommended that you apply for an immediate relative petition rather than a family preference petition if you have a choice between the two. For this month’s visa bulletin, check out the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Who qualifies as an immediate relative?
To qualify as an immediate relative, your family member must be a spouse, unmarried child (under 21 years of age), or parent. (To petition a parent, the U.S. petitioner must 21 years of age or older.)
What is the immigration priority for immediate relatives?
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have immigration priority. This means that there are unlimited green cards available for them, so they don’t have to wait for a visa number to become available.
What is an immediate relative petition?
The petition is used to establish a valid immediate relative relationship between the petitioner and the foreign family member. To qualify as an immediate relative, your family member must be a spouse, unmarried child (under 21 years of age), or parent. (To petition a parent, the U.S. petitioner must 21 years of age or older.)