What Is an Immediate Family Visa?

An immediate family visa allows close relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to enter and live in the United States. The term “immediate family” typically refers to spouses, children, and parents, and these visas are granted priority in the immigration process.

Who Qualifies for an Immediate Family Visa?

Eligibility for an immediate family visa depends on your status (U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) and your relationship with the beneficiary.

For U.S. Citizens the following qualify as immediate family for visa application purposes:  

• Spouses 

• Children under 21 and unmarried 

• Parents (if the petitioner is 21 or older)

• Orphan adopted abroad 

• Orphan to be adopted in the U.S.

For Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) the following qualify as immediate family for visa application purposes:

• Spouses 

• Unmarried children under 21 

• Unmarried children over 21 not considered “immediate” but part of the family-based preference category)

Please note that U.S. citizens can petition for their parents, while green card holders cannot.

If you would like to know more about whether you or a family member qualify for immediate family immigration benefits please contact me at (352) 300-0847.