1.   Through Immediate Relatives:

          U.S. citizens can petition for parents, spouses, siblings, and children. Permanent Residents (LPR) can petition for spouses and children only. There is no quota or limit and, therefore, no waiting list for “Immediate Relatives” of U.S. Citizens - Unmarried children under 21, Spouse, Parent, Widow / Widower (under certain circumstances).  Relatives in the following “preference” categories are subject to limits on the number of visas that can be issued each year.

• First Preference - Unmarried sons or daughters (over age 21) of U.S. citizens

• Second Preference – (2A) Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of LPRs

                                          (2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (over age 21) of LPRs

• Third Preference - Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens

• Fourth Preference - Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.

2.   Through Marriage with an US Citizen:

The non-citizen spouse must remain in her/his country until permanent residency is granted. K-1 fiancé/e visa is available if the parties are not yet married. The non citizen spouse is required to get married to the sponsoring U.S. citizen and file the adjustment of status application package for the green card within 90 days of entry.