Immediate Relative
Immediate Relatives in the context of U.S. immigration refer to a specific group of family members who are eligible for priority immigration to the United States. This category is exclusive to close family members of U.S. citizens.
Who Qualifies as an Immediate Relative?
The following family members are classified as immediate relatives:
- Spouse: The legally married spouse of a U.S. citizen.
- Unmarried Children Under 21: Biological or adopted children of a U.S. citizen who are under the age of 21 and unmarried.
- Parents: The parents of a U.S. citizen, provided the sponsoring citizen is at least 21 years old.
Key Points About Immediate Relatives
- Priority Processing: Immediate relatives are prioritized for immigration, reducing wait times compared to other family-based categories.
- Unlimited Visas: Unlike other family categories, there is no annual cap on the number of visas issued to immediate relatives.
- Faster Processing Times: Immediate relative cases typically proceed faster through the immigration process.
Sponsorship Process
To sponsor an immediate relative, the U.S. citizen must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition establishes the family relationship and initiates the immigration process.Immediate relative immigration is a streamlined pathway designed to promote family unity, offering faster and more accessible options for close family members of U.S. citizens. Consulting with an immigration attorney can ensure accurate filing and adherence to all requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen include:
Spouse
Unmarried children under 21 years old
Parents of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old
Immediate relatives have several benefits, including:
Priority processing: Immediate relative cases are prioritized and often processed faster.
Unlimited visas: There is no annual limit on the number of visas available for immediate relatives.
Faster path to permanent residency: Immediate relatives typically have a faster path to obtaining a green card.
A U.S. citizen can sponsor an immediate relative by filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
The specific documents required may vary, but generally, you will need:
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Evidence of your relationship to the beneficiary
Financial documents to support the beneficiary
Police clearance certificates
Medical examination results
The processing time for sponsoring an immediate relative can vary, but it typically takes several months. However, due to current processing times and backlogs, it may take longer.