"Immediate Relatives" of U.S. Citizens
may receive immigrant visas without regard to any
numerical limitations ("quotas").
The Immigration and Nationality Act allows for the immigration of foreigners to the United States based on relationship to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Family-based immigration falls under two basic categories: unlimited and limited.
Link to the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin
Unlimited Family-Based
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.IR-1 Spouse of U.S. Citizen (if marriage is of at least two years duration)
IR-2 Child of U.S. Citizen
IR-3 Orphan adopted abroad by U.S. Citizen
IR-4 Orphan to be adopted in U.S. by U.S. Citizen
IR-5 Parent of U.S. Citizen at least 21 years of age
CR-1 Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Conditional Resident — if marriage is of less than two years duration)
CR-2 Child of Conditional Resident, CR-1, above.
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. (23,400)Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (over age 20) of lawful permanent residents. (114,200) At least seventy-seven percent of all visas available for this category will go to the spouses and children; the remainder will be allocated to unmarried sons and daughters.
F-2-A Spouses and children (under age 21) of Permanent Residents
F-2-B Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents (21 years of age and older)
Family Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and children. (23,400)
Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of United States citizens, and their spouses and children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age. (65,000)