Immediate Relatives

The immediate relative category is a special category of family-based green cards that is reserved for certain close family members of U.S. citizens. Immediate relatives include the spouse, parent (if the U.S. citizen is over 21 years old), and unmarried children under 21 years old of a U.S. citizen.

One of the benefits of the immediate relative category is that there is no annual cap or limit on the number of visas that can be issued. This means that as long as an individual meets the requirements for an immediate relative green card, they should be able to obtain one as long as all other eligibility requirements are met.

To be eligible for an immediate relative green card, the U.S. citizen must be able to prove the relationship to the immediate relative. This can be done through a variety of documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption papers.

In addition to demonstrating the relationship, the U.S. citizen must also be able to provide proof of their U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. The immediate relative must also be admissible to the United States, which means they must not be inadmissible on any grounds outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This includes criminal and security-related grounds, as well as public charge grounds.

If an individual is able to meet all of these requirements, they should be able to obtain an immediate relative green card and become a permanent resident of the United States. It is important to note that obtaining a green card through the immediate relative category does not automatically grant U.S. citizenship. However, once the individual has had their green card for a certain amount of time and meets other eligibility requirements, they may be able to apply for naturalization and become a U.S. citizen.