United States citizens and legal permanent residents of the United States are able to petition for family members to become legal permanent residents. Only a specific number of family visas are available each year. Therefore, family visas are given based on family relationship preference. Family based (F) preferences include:

• Immediate Relatives. There is no wait time for a visa for an immediate relative. Immediate relatives are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the child, unmarried and under 21 of a U.S. citizen, and the parent of a U.S. citizen (if the child is 21 or older).
• First preference (F-1): First preference family based visas are available to unmarried children of U.S. citizens who are over the age of 21.
• Second preference (F-2): Second preference family based visas are available to family members of legal permanent residents. These family members include (F-2A) spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 and (F-2B) unmarried children over 21 years of age.
• Third Preference (F-3): Third preference family based visas are available to married children of U.S citizens.
• Fourth preference (F-4): Fourth preference family based visas are available to siblings of U.S. citizens.

Check the current visa bulletin to determine the available visa numbers

As an experienced Itasca immigration law office, we are able to help foreign nationals simplify the immigration process. We provide professional, personal assistance to help you complete your immigration visa application and navigate the red tape.

If you want to be reunited with your family in the United States, it is important to have an attorney who is experienced handling immigration law issues. Contact our Illinois immigration lawyer to discuss your needs.