While immigrating to the Unites States likely presented you with a great many new opportunities, it was also certainly difficult to leave any of your family members behind in your home country. Thus your desire for them to join you here in Colorado is understandable.
Many of those who come to us here at Ramos Immigration Law seeking assistance with family reunification have concerns about the number of visas available. While your fears in this regard may be well-founded, you should also know that family immigration quotas may work to your advantage.
Unlimited visas for immediate family members
This depends on your relationship with the family member you want to join you in the U.S. According to the American Immigration Council, immediate family reunification is a priority for U.S. immigration officials. Because of this priority, an unlimited number of visas are available to spouses, minor children and parents of people already here. However, to qualify for any of this unlimited number, you must be a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Family immigration category allotments
If you are a legal permanent resident who wishes to bring a family member into the country (or you are a citizen looking to reunite with a relative other than those already mentioned), then your chances of helping them procure a visa depend on the category they fall into (and the number of visas allotted to that specific category. These are as follows:
- Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens: 23,400
- Spouses and minor children of legal permanent residents: 87,900
- Unmarried adult children of legal permanent residents: 26,300
- Married adult children of U.S. citizens: 23,400
- Siblings of U.S. citizens: 65,000
The preference allocation follows that specific order. Unused visas in certain categories may roll over into others.
You can find more information on family reunification policies throughout our site.