immigration visas are a category of visas that allow foreign nationals to immigrate to the United States based on their family relationships with U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These visas aim to reunite families and promote family unity. There are several different types of family-based immigration visas, each with its own eligibility criteria and requirements.
Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas
These visas are available to the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old. There is no numerical limit on the number of immediate relative visas issued each year.
Family Preference Immigrant Visas
These visas are available to more distant relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. They are divided into four preference categories
a. F1 Visa
This category is for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their minor children.
b. F2 Visa
This category is for spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (over the age of 21) of permanent residents.
c. F3 Visa
This category is for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children.
d. F4 Visa
This category is for siblings of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children.
Family preference visas have annual numerical limits, and the waiting times for these visas can vary depending on the country of origin and the category.
K Visas
These visas are available for the fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens and their minor children. The K-1 visa is for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, while the K-2 visa is for their minor children. Once the marriage takes place within 90 days of arrival in the U.S., the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.
V Visas
These visas are available for the spouses and minor children of U.S. permanent residents who have been waiting for an immigrant visa for at least three years. The V visa allows them to live and work in the U.S. while waiting for their immigrant visa to become available.