Each year the Department of Homeland Security establishes a maximum number of family based green cards. The DHS distinguishes between “Immediate Relatives” and “Preference Relatives”. Immediate relatives are not subject to a numerical limit, whereas preference relatives which has created no wait time for Immediate Relatives and in many cases a long wait time for preference relatives. Consequently, it is advantageous to be categorized as an Immediate Relative to a sponsoring US Citizen.
Immediate Relatives
Immediate Relatives are defined as:
• Children of US Citizens under 21 years of age that are unmarried;
• Parents of US Citizen Children over 21 years of age;
• Spouses of US Citizens.
Preference Relatives
Preference Relatives are defined according to 4 preference categories:
1. Unmarried sons and daughters 21 and over of US Citizens;
2. Spouses (Preference 2A) and unmarried children (Preference 2B) of lawful permanent residents;
3. Married Sons and Daughters of US Citizens;
4. Brothers and Sisters of US Citizens.
Have more questions? Contact the Law Offices of Ashley Dworsky for answers.