If the applicant is a relative of a U.S-based citizen he is known as an immediate relative – the applicant does not have to wait for a visa to be received. There is no limit to the number of visas that can be utilized in this category in a particular year.

WHO ARE FAMILY-BASED RELATIVES?

Immediate relatives include:

• Parents of a U.S. citizen.
• Spouses of a U.S. citizen.
• Unmarried children under the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen.

Note: U.S. citizens must be at least 21 years old to apply for their parents.

The relatives who qualify for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident visa in the remaining family-based categories may have to wait for a visa to become available before they can apply for permanent residency. These categories based on preferences include:

First Preference: Unmarried, adult (21 years of age or older) sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.

Second Preference A: Spouses of permanent residents and the unmarried children (under the age of 21)) of permanent residents.

Second Preference B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or age or older) of permanent residents.

Third Preference: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, their spouses and their minor children.

Fourth Preference: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, their spouses and their minor children.

Once the visa application is done in the family-based categories the procedure for going through the Immigration Medical Examination remains the same. This examination will have to be conducted by a USCIS-approved Civil Surgeon, the report for which is handed over to the applicant in a sealed envelope for further processing.