ALLOCATION OF VISAS IN FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION

Family-based immigrants are admitted to the United States, either as (i) immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or (ii) through the family preference system.

(i) Immediate Relatives are:

· Spouses of U.S. citizens

· Unmarried minor children of U.S. citizens

· Parents of U.S. citizens

There is no limit on the number of visas available under the immediate relatives category.

(ii) Family Preference System

· First Preference - Adult children (unmarried) of U.S. citizens – 23,400 visas per year

· Second Preference A – LPR spouses and minor children – 87,900 visas per year

· Second Preference B – LPR unmarried adult children – 26,300 visas per year

· Third Preference - Adult children (married) of U.S. citizens – 23,400 visas per year

· Fourth Preference – Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens – 65,000 visas per year

The information in this article is of a general nature and may not apply to any specific or particular circumstance. It is not to be construed as legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship between The Law Offices of Cyrus S Nallaseth and the viewer.