Green Card for an Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen
To promote family unity, immigration law allows U.S. citizens to petition for certain qualified relatives to come and live permanently in the United States. Eligible immediate relatives include the U.S. citizen's Spouse; Unmarried child under the age of 21; and Parent (if the U.S. citizen is over the age of 21).
Immediate relatives have special immigration priority and do not have to wait in line for a visa number to become available for them to immigrate because there are an unlimited number of visas for their particular categories.
Green Card for a Family Member of a Permanent Resident
To promote family unity, immigration law allows permanent residents of the United States (green card holders) to petition for certain eligible relatives to come and live permanently in the United States. A permanent resident may petition for his/her spouse and unmarried child(ren) of any age to immigrate to the United States. Congress has limited the number of relatives who may immigrate under these categories each year so there is generally a waiting period before an immigrant visa number becomes available. If your family relationship qualifies you as an eligible relative of a U.S. permanent resident, then you are in what is called a "family preference category."
Green Card Through Special Categories of Family
You may be able to become a permanent resident (get a green card) through a special family situation. These adjustment of status programs are limited to individuals who meet particular qualifications and/or apply during certain time frames.
Battered Spouse or Child (VAWA)
K Nonimmigrant (includes fiancé(e))
Person Born to a Foreign Diplomat in the United States
V Nonimmigrant
Widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen
