Family-Based Immigration, Part 2: Petitioning For Family Members
Many people who are United States Citizens (USC’s) or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR’s) have family members in other countries. Often times, they would like those family members to join them legally in the United States. This type of family-based immigration is possible. However, as described below, the waiting time can be either short or long, depending on the status of the petitioner in the United States and the country where the relative lives. Parents and unmarried minor children of USC’s. Parents and unmarried children (under age 21) of USC’s are classified as “immediate relatives”. They must still petition for an immigrant visa, but there is no numerical limit on the number of immigrant visas that can be issued as long as the overall cap is not exceeded. If a petition for an immediate relative is approved, the relative will be interviewed at the embassy or consulate in his or her […]