What are the most common family-based immigration visas in 2024?.

Family-based immigration visas allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring their relatives to live in the United States. In 2024, the most common types include:

Key Facts

• Immediate Relative Visas: No annual cap, for spouses, children, and parents.
• Family Preference Visas: Subject to annual limits, covering siblings and adult children of citizens.
• Eligibility Criteria: Must prove familial relationship and meet financial sponsorship requirements.
• Application Process: Involves filing forms like I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).

Examples or Use Cases

• A U.S. citizen can sponsor their spouse for an Immediate Relative Visa, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. within months of application.
• A permanent resident can sponsor their unmarried child under the Family Preference category, which may take several years due to annual caps.

FAQs

• What is the wait time for a Family Preference Visa? The wait time can vary widely, ranging from a few months to several years based on the relative category.
• Can I apply for more than one family member? Yes, you can file multiple petitions for different family members, but each will have its own processing time.