Citizens and permanent residents of the United States can help their qualified foreign relatives apply for citizenship and permanent residency in the United States. The following broad criteria must be completed in order for a foreign relative to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States:

1. A relative who is either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States must accompany the foreign national applying for a visa or green card. The applicant’s relative must be able to present proof of their citizenship or permanent residency in the United States and proof of their relationship to the applicant.
2. The applicant’s relative must show that their family’s financial income is 125 percent above the poverty level, including the applicant. If a relative does not meet this financial requirement, they may become a joint sponsor with another relative or the applicant’s assets may be considered.
3. If the applicant’s relative is a citizen of the United States, they must show that the applicant is their:
4. A minor under the age of 21
5. Spouse
6. Over 21-year-old unmarried son or daughter
7. Son or daughter who is married (any age)
8. a U.S. citizen’s brother or sister (if the sponsoring relative is at least 21 years old)
9. Parent of a citizen of the United States (if the sponsoring relative is at least 21 years old)
10. If the applicant’s sponsoring relative is a permanent resident of the United States, they must show that the applicant is:
11. Husband or wife 
12. Any age unmarried son or daughter

The petitioning process can commence if both the applicant and their relative meet these requirements.

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens Have Immigration Options

A U.S. citizen’s parents, spouses, and children (under 21 years of age) are considered “immediate relatives.” Unlike other close family members of U.S. citizens and/or permanent residents, immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen are permitted to immigrate to the United States despite any numerical constraints.

Preference Categories for Families

Other relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents are classified into categories based on their preferences. Each preference group is only allowed a certain number of immigrants to be admitted to the United States every year. Relatives in these categories must wait for an immigrant visa number to become available based on the preferences listed below:

1. Unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens are given first priority. Adults are defined as those who are 21 years old or older.
2. Second Preference: Legal permanent residents’ spouses and the unmarried sons and daughters (of any age) of legal permanent residents and their offspring.
3. Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their wives and minor children receive third priority.
4. Fourth Preference: Adult U.S. Brothers and sisters of citizens and spouses and young children.

Our New York Immigration Lawyers for Families Can Assist You:

The immigration process in the United States is complicated and can take years to complete. Despite the rigorous immigration procedure, the United States remains a hospitable nation for immigrants; according to the American Immigration Council, nearly 10% of Indiana residents are immigrants or the offspring of immigrants. 

We understand how vital it is to bring your loved ones to the United States as fast and efficiently as possible at Gehi & Associates. It has been a privilege for us to assist many families in bringing their loved ones to the United States.

We have the skills and experience to provide our clients with high-quality legal counsel and an attorney on staff who has gone through the immigration process. As a result, we understand the importance of our services to our clients directly and work tirelessly to reunite families as soon as possible.