What is Family-based immigration?
U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR’s) can both file immigrant petitions for certain family members
Family-based immigration is divided into two basic categories: Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas (Unlimited) and Family Preference Immigrant Visas (Limited): .The Petitioner is U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. The beneficiary is their immediate relative or relative.
| Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas (Unlimited) | Family Preference Immigrant Visas (Limited): |
| IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen | Family First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their minor children, if any |
| IR-2: Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of a U.S. Citizen | Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of LPRs. |
| IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen | Family Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children. |
| IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen | Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age. |
| IR-5: Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old |
Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas (Unlimited): These visa types are based on a close family relationship with a United States (U.S.) citizen described as an Immediate Relative (IR). The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year.
Family Preference Immigrant Visas (Limited): These visa types are for specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).
According to Immigration & Nationality Act,the fiscal year starts on October 1 and ends on September 30 of the next calendar year.
Whenever the number of qualified applicants for a category exceeds the available immigrant visas, there will be an immigration wait.Immigrant visas cannot be issued until an applicant’s priority date is reached.（Even though your I-130 is approved）