"Immediate relatives" of a U.S. citizen refers to parents, spouses, widows and children of a U.S. citizen who are unmarried and under 21 years of age. Immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen can immigrate to the United States without being subject to any numerical restrictions, unlike other close family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Namely, they can apply for the permanent resident status without any waiting time. Other close family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents are divided into several groups called "preferences". Each Preference is given a numerical quota per year to limit the number of immigrants admitted into the United States. For details regarding each preference, please see "Other close family members of U.S. citizens" and "Family members of permanent residents". For the current waiting period for each preference, please check the "Visa bulletin".

Immigration Information for Spouses of U.S. Citizens, please click here...

Immigration Information for Unmarried Children under 21-year-old of U.S. Citizens, please click here....

Immigration Informaiton for Parents of U.S. Citizens, please click here...

For other information about Family-Sponsored Immigration, please click here...