Law Offices of Andre S. Boghosian

Family Based Relative Petitions

Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas

There are two categories of family based immigrant visas: Immediate Relative and Family Preference Immigrant Visas

These visa types are based on a close family relationship with aUScitizen described as an Immediate Relative (IR). The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year. Immediate relative visa types include:

• IR-1: Spouse of aUSCitizen
• IR-2: Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of aUSCitizen
• IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by aUSCitizen
• IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in theUSby aUSCitizen
• IR-5: Parent of aUScitizen who is at least 21 years old

Family Preference Immigrant Visas (Limited)

These types are for specific, more distant, family relationships with aUScitizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). There are fiscal year numerical limitations on family preference immigrants, shown at the end of each category listed below. The family preference categories are:

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

Numerical Limitations for Limited Family-based Preference Categories

Whenever the number of qualified applicants for category exceeds the available immigrant visas, there will be an immigration wait. In this situation, the available immigrant visas are issued in the chronological order in which the petitions were filed using their priority date (the filing date of the petition).

Fiancé (K1)/Marriage

To receive a visa for a fiancé, fiancée or spouse, your relationship must be bona-fide and not for the purpose of evadingUnited Statesimmigration laws. If you want to obtain a visa for yourself, a fiancé/fiancée or spouse, it is important for you to contact an experienced attorney with a complete understanding of immigration and naturalization law. In theLos Angelesarea, you can call Law Offices of Andre Boghosian.