People who have a loved one in the United States have more immigration opportunities than those with no immediate domestic connection. Immediate family members can travel with someone who secures an employment or educational visa, and loved ones can also apply for green cards if they have family in the United States.
The family preference visa program allows foreign nationals an opportunity to secure a green card immediately upon entry into the United States. A green card is much more valuable to a prospective immigrant than a visa, as it allows for their lawful permanent residence in the country.
Who can potentially qualify for a family preference visa?
Those related to current green card holders
If someone in your family has already gotten a green card and lives in the United States, you may be able to get a green card for yourself through the family preference visa program.
Spouses of lawful permanent residents can qualify for family preference visas. Children may also qualify. Unmarried children under the age of 21 have the best chance of visa approval, but unmarried children over the age of 21 can also qualify if one of their parents has a green card.
The family members of citizens
When someone is a natural-born citizen or makes the effort to become a naturalized citizen, they can help more family members enter the country. Spouses and children of United States citizens can qualify for family preference visas.
Married children of United States citizens can potentially qualify for a family preference visa. In fact, although they have you lowest preference category, brothers and sisters of United States citizens may also qualify for a green card through this visa program.
Anyone applying for a family preference visa will need to pass the same background in medical examinations as those applying for visas for educational or employment opportunities. They will have to pay to apply, and sometimes they may need to apply more than once because there are no more available visas in a given category or year.
However, if they can meet the requirements for the family preference visa program, they can enter the country with the knowledge that they can likely stay for the rest of their life. Learning more about family-based immigration programs can help those with loved ones living in other countries.