Family-Based Migration

Immigration through a family member is the easiest and relatively "quickest" means to obtain U.S. residency, especially for citizens and residents' immediate relatives.

Qualified relatives are classified using a preference category system and the visa processing time depends on the category which relative falls under. There are four family preference categories and relatives in categories three and four wait the longest for a visa number because they are not classified as immediate relatives.

The USCIS's Preference Category list is below:

First Preference: Spouse, fiancé (e), parents, unmarried children (regardless of age) of a U.S. citizen.

Second Preference (2A): Spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21) of a permanent resident.

Second Preference (2B): Unmarried children of a permanent resident.

Third Preference: Married children (regardless of age) of a U.S. citizen.

Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult (over 21) U.S. citizens.

Carl Shusterman, former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) attorney, discusses how the new immigration reform bill would affect family-based immigration.