IMMIGRANT VISAS (GREEN CARDS)
FAMILY BASED:
First Preference - Unmarried
Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
The
family-based first preference category is
for unmarried sons and daughters, over the
age of 21 years, of U.S. citizens. For
step-children, the son or daughter must have
been under 18 at the time the
step-relationship was created.
For adopted children, the adoption
must have occurred before the son or
daughter was 16 and the adopted child must
have spent 2 years of residence in legal
custody of the adopting parent before the
age of 16.
The
number of immigrant visas in the family
preference categories are subject to an
annual numeric limitation for nationals of
each country.
The filing date of the immigrant visa
petition establishes the priority date for
the application.
The beneficiary of the petition
cannot apply for permanent residence (green
card) until that priority date is reached.
Click the Department
of State Visa Bulletin for the priority
dates for preference category petitions and
to find the backlog for each preference
category.
To
request a consultation regarding a petition
for an immediate relative, please contact
our office here.
|
