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Family-Based Immigration
Immigrant visas

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 US 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.

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 Visa Bulletin  for visa waiting periods. For additional information, see U.S. Department of State  website or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  website.

Procedures for family-based Immigrant Visas
Step 1: Filing an Immigrant Visa Petition I-130
Step 2:  Apply for an Immigrant Visa

Other Procedures