Family-Based Nonimmigrant Categories

 

Family-Based Nonimmigrant Categories allow family members of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents to enter the U.S. for a temporary purpose.  These temporary purposes can range from visiting friends and family to getting married and seeking Lawful Permanent Residence.

 

B-2 Visitor for Pleasure

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K-1 Fiance or Fiancee of a U.S. Citizen

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K-3 Spouse of a U.S. Citizen

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V-1 Spouse of a Lawful Permanent Resident

 

Family-Based Immigrant Categories

 

Immediate Relatives

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are spouses and unmarried minor children.  The definition of spouse can include common law spouses and spouses from same-sex marriages.  The definition of unmarried minor children can include step-children and adopted children.

 

First Family-Based Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters 21 years of age or older of U.S. citizens are subject to the numerical limitations of the immigration preference system.

 

Second Family-Based Preference

Spouses and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Lawful Permanent Residents are subject to the numerical limitations of the immigration preference system.

 

Third Family-Based Preference

Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. citizens are subject to the numerical limitations of the immigration preference system.

 

Fourth Family-Based Preference

Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. citizens are subject to the numerical limitations of the immigration preference system.

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