Family-Based Petitions
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Immigrants with family members who are citizens or residents of the United States can become residents if their relatives petition on their behalf. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lists the following as family members who qualify to make a petition on behalf of their relatives:
If Your Family Member is a U.S. Citizen
You may be able to get a green card as an immediate relative or as a family member in a preference category if your U.S. citizen relative files a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for you. For more information on immigrant petitions, see the "Family" link to the right.
Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen
You are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen if you are:
- The child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of a U.S. citizen
- The spouse (husband or wife) of a U.S. citizen
- The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years or older)
Family Member of a U.S. Citizen in a Preference Category
You are a family member of a U.S. citizen in a preference category if you are:
- An unmarried son or daughter (21 years or older) of a U.S. citizen
- A married son or daughter (any age) of a U.S. citizen
- A sibling (brother or sister) of a U.S. citizen
If Your Family Member is a Permanent Resident
You may be able to get a green card as a family member in a preference category if your family member filed a Form I-130 on your behalf. For more information on immigrant petitions, see the "Family" link to the right.
Family member of a permanent resident in a preference category
You are a family member of a permanent resident in a preference category if you are:
- The spouse of a permanent resident
- The child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of permanent resident
- The unmarried son or daughter (21 years or older) of a permanent resident
Green Card Through Special Categories of Family
You may also be eligible to get a green card if you:
- Are a battered child or spouse of a U.S. citizen
- Entered the United States with a K visa as the fiancé(e) or spouse of a U.S. citizen or an accompanying child
- Obtained V nonimmigrant status
- Are a widow(er) of a U.S. citizen
- Are born to a foreign diplomat in the United States