Family Immigration – IR Preference
U.S. citizens are permitted to sponsor certain immediate family members for a green card without facing waiting lists, lotteries, or quotas. Our helpful attorneys can help our clients sort through the confusion, determine green card eligibility, and help you complete and process the necessary paperwork.
Speak to a family immigration lawyer today! Call 888-517-9888 to receive a free consultation.
IR Preferences for Immediate Family Members
There are five preference categories for immediate family members. None of the preference categories face quotas.
First Preference (IR1 visa)
- Spouses
Second Preference (IR2 visa)
- Unmarried children under the age of 21
Third Preference (IR3 visa)
- Orphans adopted outside of the U.S.
Fourth Preference (IR4 visa)
- Orphans to be adopted in the U.S.
Fifth Preference (IR5 visa)
- Parents of U.S. citizens over the age of 21
The Immigration Process for Immediate Family Members
U.S. citizens initiate the immigration process by sponsoring the relative who wants to immigrate to the United States. The citizen must complete USCIS Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The I-130 form is not enough to complete the immigration process and allow entry. The sponsored family member must also complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The immigration process for immediate family members can vary depending on immigration status and whether or not the immigrant is already in the United States.
IR Preferences for Immediate Family Members
There are five preference categories for immediate family members. None of the preference categories face quotas.
First Preference (IR1 visa)
- Spouses
Second Preference (IR2 visa)
- Unmarried children under the age of 21
Third Preference (IR3 visa)
- Orphans adopted outside of the U.S.
Fourth Preference (IR4 visa)
- Orphans to be adopted in the U.S.
Fifth Preference (IR5 visa)
- Parents of U.S. citizens over the age of 21
The Immigration Process for Immediate Family Members
U.S. citizens initiate the immigration process by sponsoring the relative who wants to immigrate to the United States. The citizen must complete USCIS Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The I-130 form is not enough to complete the immigration process and allow entry. The sponsored family member must also complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The immigration process for immediate family members can vary depending on immigration status and whether or not the immigrant is already in the United States.
Talk with an Immigration Expert Today!
Making even one small error on your immigration forms can cause unexpected delays and possibly even rejections. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth has been guiding immigrants and their sponsors through the complexities of immigration law since 1984. We provide comprehensive and responsive legal guidance. If you would like to sponsor a relative for a United States green card or if you have a family member willing to sponsor you, contact our immigration lawyers for a free consultation.
Schedule your free consultation today – Call 888-517-9888!
