Applying for a family-based immigrant visa is the first step in the process for the person you are sponsoring to become a permanent resident.
Immediate Relative Visas
These visas are for close relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age, or parents. An unlimited number of visas are available for this category. These visas include:
- IR1 and CR1 for spouses
- IR2 for children
- IR5 for parents
Family Preference Visas
A limited number of family preference visas are allocated each year for:
- Other relatives of a U.S. citizen, such as eligible children or siblings. These include:
- F1 for unmarried children aged 21 or older
- F3 for married children
- F4 for siblings
- The spouse and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders). These include:
- F2A for spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age
F2B for unmarried children aged 21 or older
- Other relatives of a U.S. citizen, such as eligible children or siblings. These include:
To apply for permanent residency for a family member, the first step is to submit Form I-130, which initiates the immigration visa process. The other steps include:
- Processing by the National Visa Center (NVC)
- Payment of fees
- Submission of required supporting documents
- Preparation for the interview
Each person you sponsor requires a separate Form I-130. You can submit the form either online or by mail. The process for your relative to immigrate to the U.S. requires both you, as the sponsor, and your relative, as the visa applicant, to complete the necessary steps.
