Immigration Options for Family Members: A Complete Guide

Family-Based Immigration Overview

The United States immigration system prioritizes family reunification. If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to sponsor certain family members for immigration.

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can sponsor "immediate relatives" without annual visa limits:

Spouses

Unmarried children under 21

Parents (if the citizen is 21 or older)

Family Preference Categories

Other family relationships fall into preference categories with annual limits:

**F1**: Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens

**F2A**: Spouses and minor children of permanent residents

**F2B**: Unmarried adult children of permanent residents

**F3**: Married adult children of U.S. citizens

**F4**: Siblings of adult U.S. citizens

The Petition Process

File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

Wait for visa availability (if applicable)

Apply for immigrant visa or adjustment of status

Complete interview and medical examination

Receive decision

Current Wait Times

Processing times vary significantly by category and country of origin. Some categories have waits of 5-20+ years due to per-country limits.

Common Challenges

Proving the validity of relationships

Overcoming previous immigration violations

Public charge concerns

Criminal history issues

Contact Bogoraz Law Group to discuss your family immigration options.