WORK-BASED VISAS WORK-BASED GREEN CARDS MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION FAMILY- SPONSORED IMMIGRATION GREEN CARDS FOR ABUSED OR WIDOWED US CITIZENSHIP BUSINESS INVESTOR OPTIONS Back to Home Page
Our Web Site is available in: CZECH FRENCH GERMAN HUNGARIAN SPANISH		Sponsored by U.S. Citizens U.S. citizens can petition for green cards to be issued to certain relatives. This involves a two-step process which the U.S. citizen must pursue: 1. filing a petition for classification of the relative as a qualifying relative 2. the foreign relative filing for adjustment of status from within the U.S., or for an immigrant visa from a consulate outside of the U.S. All relatives of U.S. citizens, except immediate relatives, are subject to waiting periods (due to backlogs within the quota system imposed on each category of relative). The more distant the relationship, the longer the wait. The categories of relatives and the respective waiting periods are as follows: Immediate Relatives The spouses, biological children, step-children who were under 18 at the time of marriage, and parents of U.S. citizens are considered the closest relatives, and as a result they are not subject to the green card quota system and the waiting period. 1st Preference Category Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens over 21 years of age. This category is allotted 23,400 green cards per year, and the waiting period is approximately 5 years. 2nd Preference Category This category is allotted exclusively to relatives of legal permanent resident aliens (green card holders), and so green cards in this category are not available to relatives of U.S. citizens. 3rd Preference Category Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (regardless of age). This category is also allotted 23,400 green cards per year plus any remaining green cards from higher preference categories, and the waiting period is approximately 7 years. 4th Preference Category Brothers and Sisters of U.S. citizens. This category is also allotted 23,400 green cards per year plus any remaining green cards from higher preference categories, and the waiting period is approximately 12 years. Additional Options and Considerations for Immediate Relatives Immediate relatives are given preferential treatment and additional options. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can still obtain the green card, even if they are in the U.S. and have overstayed their visa. However, if the immediate relative entered the U.S. illegally, then that person can obtain the green card only with the help of the special law called INA 245(i). K-3 Visas can be obtained by spouses of U.S. citizens; K-4 visas can be obtained by the children of the spouse of the U.S. citizen. K-3 and K-4 visas enable the spouse and children, who are outside of the U.S., to enter the U.S., and live and work here while they pursue the green card from within the U.S. or through the consulate in their country of previous residence. For more details on the K-3 Visa, please click here. The information above is intended as a general description. Each individual's case requires specific advice and our firm offers an introductory consultation to review your case, the cost of which can be rebated against any retainer. We can assist you in getting settled in any U.S. state of your choice.
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		© 2003 Anthony Olson, P.A. All logos and trade marks or names are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Page uploaded 11/27/2007.