U.S. Embassy & Consulates
in Mexico

Two groups of family-based immigrant visa categories (immediate relatives, and family preference) are provided under the provisions of U.S. immigration law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Immediate Relatives

A U.S. citizen may file an I-130 petition for the following relatives for immigration in the immediate relative category.  There are no numerical limitations on Immediate Relatives immigrants.

• IR1/CR1– Spouses of U.S. citizens 
• IR2– Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of a U.S. Citizen 
• IR3– Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen 
• IR4– Orphan to be adopted in the United States by a U.S. citizen 
• IR5– Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old 
• IW– Spouse of a deceased U.S. citizen

Family Preference (certain relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents)

Persons seeking to immigrate in one of the family-based preference categories will qualify for immigrant status only if they have the necessary relationship to a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident as described below.  US citizen grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.  There is an annual quota for visas in the following categories.  See  for visa waiting periods. For additional information, see  website or the  website.

• F1 –Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their children
• F2A –Spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents 
• F2B – Unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent resident 
• F3 – Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and children. 
• F4 – Brothers and sisters of United States citizens, and their spouses and children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age 

Other Procedures

• Waivers of Visa Ineligibilities[

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