Preference Categories Page
There are several preference categories for the allotment of immigrant visas based on the status of the sponsor.
- Unlimited: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not have to wait for an immigrant visa number. Once the application is approved by USCIS, they are allotted a number immediately. Immediate relatives include the sponsor's parents, spouse, and unmarried children below the age of 21 years.
- First Preference: Unmarried adult (above the age of 21 years) sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- Second Preference: Spouses of lawful permanent residents and their unmarried sons and daughters of any age.
- Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.
The list below outlines the type of relatives a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident can sponsor based on relationship.
| A U.S. citizen can sponsor: | A lawful permanent resident can sponsor: |
|---|---|
| His/her spouse | His/her spouse |
| Unmarried son/daughter of any age | Unmarried son/daughter of any age |
| Married son/daughter of any age | |
| Parent/Brother/sister provided the sponsor is at least 21years old |
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Who Can We Help?
We provide expert legal advice about United States immigration law and legal representation to a wide range of clients seeking entry to the United States. We serve:
- Foreign nationals facing deportation
- Professional workers
- Athletes, Artists and Scientists
- Professors and Researchers
- Students
- Employers seeking to place employees in the U.S.
- Family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
- Diversity lottery recipients
- Religious workers
- Refugees and those seeking political asylum
- Those litigating immigration issues before the BIA and in federal court
- Residents wishing to naturalize
- Victims of Crime (including domestic violence)
