Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens (IR): The spouse, widow(er) and unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen, and the parent of a U.S. citizen who is 21 or older.

Returning Residents (SB): Immigrants who lived in the United States previously as lawful permanent residents and are returning to live in the U.S. after a temporary visit of more than one year abroad.

LIMITED FAMILY-BASED

Family First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children, if any.

Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (over the age of 21) of lawful permanent residents.

Family Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and children.

Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of United States citizens, and their spouses and children.

The petitioning U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident must submit the Form I-130. Once approved by USCIS, the petitioner will receive a notice of approval, Form I-797. USCIS will also forward the approved petition to the Immigrant Visa Processing Center, which will contact the intending immigrant with further information.

People who want to become immigrants are classified into categories based on a preference system. The immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, which includes parents, spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21, do not have to wait for an immigrant visa number to become available once the visa petition filed for them is approved by the USCIS.

The relatives in the remaining categories must wait for an immigrant visa number to become available.

For additional information and procedures please contact us at info@passintl.com.