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+92 332 271 2158
Faq’s
Enquiries
+92 332 271 2158

Family Based Immigration

U.S. immigration laws offer pathways for individuals to obtain permanent residency based on their family connections with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs). The U.S. citizen or LPR who is sponsoring the relative plays a key role in filing the petition and assisting throughout the immigration process. Various family-based visa preference categories exist, determined by the sponsor’s status and the type of relationship with the foreign relative.

Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas are not subject to annual limits and include:

  • IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
  • IR-2: Unmarried child under 21 years old of a U.S. Citizen
  • IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen
  • IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. Citizen
  • IR-5: Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years’ old

Family Preference Immigrant Visa Categories are limited and consist of:

  • Family First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children (23,400 visas per year)
  • Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of LPRs (114,200 visas per year)
  • Family Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and children (23,400 visas per year)
  • Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years old (65,000 visas per year)

Family members of U.S. citizens or LPRs who are in the U.S. legally or cannot adjust their status directly may apply for permanent residence through consular processing at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.


The process begins with the sponsor submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to USCIS to verify the familial relationship. A separate petition must be filed for each eligible relative. The sponsor needs to provide proof of the relationship and their status as a U.S. citizen or LPR. Additionally, sponsors must demonstrate their financial ability to support their relatives by completing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. If the sponsor does not meet the financial requirements, other individuals may be required to provide financial assistance.