After settling into life as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., you may plan to have some of your family members join you in the future. You probably know you can seek admittance for a spouse or fiancée, but you can also sponsor other family members.
As you know, matters of immigration are usually complicated, and mistakes can result in delays and other hardships. Knowing how family immigration works prepares you to meet these challenges.
Which family members qualify?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues family visas to immediate relatives (spouse, minor children and parents) and those in an eligible family relationship category.
Below is a breakdown of visa preferences for those not considered immediate relatives.
- First (F1) preference: Unmarried children over 21 of U.S. citizens
- Second (F2A) preference: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders
- Second (F2B) preference: Unmarried children over 21 of green card holders
- Third (F3) preference: Married children of U.S. citizens
- Fourth (F4) preference: Siblings of U.S. citizens who are 21 and older
Do not wait too long to act if you plan to one day reunify your family. Many others in Kentucky and elsewhere seek the same as you—to reunite with distant loved ones. That means you must wait in line until it is your turn, so the sooner you file your paperwork, the faster you can meet your goals.
Monitor immigration law
In the U.S., family immigration laws are constantly under review, meaning they are subject to change rapidly. Stay up-to-date on immigration law to ensure you don’t miss out on the chance to reunite your family.