What Are Family-Based Visas?
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to petition for certain relatives to join them in the United States. The process begins with filing Form I-130 to establish the qualifying relationship.
1. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
These visas have no annual limit (how many the government allows) and typically process faster:
- Spouse (IR-1)
- Unmarried child under 21 (IR-2)
- Orphans adopted abroad or to be adopted in the U.S. (IR-3 / IR-4)
- Parent of a U.S. citizen (if the citizen is 21 or older) (IR-5)
2. Family Preference Categories
These visas are subject to annual limits (how many the government allows) and longer wait times:
- F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders
- F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of green card holders
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (sponsor must be 21+)
How We Help
At Immigration Pathways Consulting LLC, we provide personalized document support for family petitioners. Our services include:
- Assistance preparing Form I-130 and supporting documentation
- Organizing evidence to prove qualifying relationships
- Guidance on timelines and communication with NVC
- Consular processing preparation when needed