Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

Unlimited visas available for immediate relatives. No waiting period for visa numbers. A U.S. citizen files the petition for each of these relatives. Source: USCIS.

Spouse: Husband or wife of a U.S. citizen.
Children: Unmarried children under 21.
Parents: If the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old.

Family Preference Categories

For more distant relatives or relatives of Permanent Residents (LPRs). These have annual caps and waiting periods.

F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of Green Card holders.
F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and older) of Green Card holders.
F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
F4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.

F1, F3, and F4 are filed by U.S. citizens. F2A and F2B are filed by green card holders. Source: USCIS.

Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen (K-1 Visa)

For a foreign fiancé(e) who plans to marry a U.S. citizen in the United States. Only U.S. citizens can file.

Petition: The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS.
Requirements: Both partners must be free to marry and intend to marry within 90 days of arrival, and generally must have met in person within the two years before filing, with waivers available for strict cultural custom or extreme hardship.
After arrival: Marry the same U.S. citizen within 90 days of entering the U.S., then apply for a green card through adjustment of status.

Read the official guidance on USCIS visas for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens.

What Is Form I-130?

Submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step to help an eligible relative apply to immigrate to the United States and apply for a Green Card.

Who files: USCIS says to use the form if you (the petitioner) are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national (who is not a U.S. citizen).
What it does: It establishes your qualifying relationship with an eligible alien relative (the beneficiary) who wishes to come to or stay in the United States permanently and apply for the Permanent Resident Card (also called a Green Card).
What it does not do: The filing or approval of this petition does not give your relative any immigration status or benefit.

Read USCIS's page for Form I-130.

Removing Conditions on a Marriage-Based Green Card (Form I-751)

A conditional permanent resident receives a Green Card valid for two years. Form I-751 is for a conditional permanent resident who obtained status through marriage and wants to apply to remove the conditions on their permanent resident status.

If USCIS granted you conditional permanent resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you use Form I-751 to file for the removal of those conditions.
If you file jointly with your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, USCIS says you must file during the 90-day period immediately before your conditional residence expires. A petition filed before the first day of that window may be rejected.
Depending on the circumstance, you may file Form I-751 individually, or with a request to waive the joint filing requirement. USCIS refers filers to the form instructions for more specific guidance.
You cannot renew your conditional Green Card. If your conditions are not removed, you will lose your permanent resident status and you will become removable from the United States.

Read USCIS's pages for Form I-751 and conditional permanent residence.

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