Who is eligible to apply for a Family Sponsorship Visa to the United States?

Many immigrants who live in the U.S. can sponsor their family members and relatives for a family visa. A U.S.Citizen or a green cardholder may sponsor particular family members who want to live in the U.S. by applying to register for permanent residence. However, even a minor mistake in the application may result in visa refusal. Therefore, many people prefer to hire the best immigration lawyers in Los Angeles, CA to ensure a smooth visa processing and maximizing their chances of getting approved. 

Family Visas are available for the family members and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. These need to be applied under various family visa categories depending on their relationship. Broadly, family visas are classified into two categories such as the following:

1. Immediate Relatives

The immediate family members (spouse, children, and parents) can apply for a U.S. family visa. The processing time is usually between 5-19 months. However, there are various visa categories for immediate relatives depending on their relationship with the U.S. citizen, such as:

IR-1: The spouse or fiance of a U.S. citizen needs to apply under an IR-1 visa.

IR-2: If the U.S. citizen has any unmarried children under 21 years, they are eligible to apply for an IR-2 visa.

IR-3: If the U.S. citizen has adopted any children abroad, they are eligible to apply for an IR-3 visa.

IR-4: If the U.S. citizen adopts an orphan who enters the U.S. and the adoption has been approved in the U.S. court, they may need to apply for an IR-4 visa before the child's 18th birthday.

IR-5: A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can apply for a visa for his parents under this category.

2. Family Preference

These visas are usually available for relatives of U.S. citizens, based on family preference. These are available for candidates who have more distant family relationships with U.S. citizens. It is divided into further categories, depending on their relationship with U.S. citizens, such as: 

Family First Preference (F1): This visa is granted to the unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children (if any).

Family Second Preference (F2): This visa applies to any spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).

Family Third Preference (F3):+ If the U.S. Citizen has andy married sons and daughters and their spouses and minor children, they may apply for an F3 visa.

Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children can apply for a visa under this category.

If you are interested in applying for a U.S. family visa, consult with the best Immigration Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA for expert assistance from the best immigration attorneys.