marwaarsanios.info – Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are a priority category under U.S. immigration law when it comes to obtaining a green card. This category includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. The term “immediate relative” is defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and it is crucial for determining eligibility for immigration benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify as an immediate relative for green card purposes, the relationship to the U.S. citizen must fall into one of the three categories mentioned above. Additionally, the U.S. citizen must be at least 21 years old to petition for a parent. It is important to note that the U.S. citizen must also be able to prove their ability to support the immediate relative at 125% above the poverty line.
The Petition Process
The process for obtaining a green card as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen begins with the U.S. citizen filing a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen and the immediate relative. Once the petition is approved, the immediate relative can apply for a green card.
Applying for a Green Card
Immediate relatives can apply for a green card either from within the United States or from abroad, depending on their current immigration status. Those already in the U.S. under a different visa may be eligible to adjust their status by filing Form I-485. Those outside the U.S. will go through consular processing, which involves obtaining an immigrant visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate and then entering the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Benefits of Being an Immediate Relative
One of the significant benefits of being an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen is that there is no annual cap on the number of green cards issued in this category. This means that once the I-130 petition is approved, the process for obtaining a green card can move forward without the delays associated with other visa categories that have numerical limits.
Conclusion
The path to a green card for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens is a structured process that begins with a family-based petition and culminates in lawful permanent residency. Understanding the eligibility criteria and navigating the application process are essential steps for immediate relatives seeking to join their family members in the United States.