US Family Immigration Explained: Process, Timeline, and Requirements

Eager to reunite with your family in the United States? This article provides an in-depth analysis of the latest process, time, and conditions for family-based immigration in the United States, including detailed explanations of F1 and F2 visas, to help you successfully complete your immigration application and realize your dream of family reunion.

Introduction to U.S. Family Immigration

What is family-based immigration to the United States? To put it simply, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) sponsors their immigration to the United States and obtains permanent residence (green card) through their relationship with a foreign relative. This method of immigration not only reunites families, but also brings more diverse culture and vitality to American society.

The advantage of family-based immigration is that it provides a relatively clear and systematic immigration path, allowing eligible family members to immigrate to the United States legally. However, due to different quotas and scheduling for each category, the application time may vary.

Relative-based immigration is mainly divided into two categories:

• 1. Immediate relatives: Refers to the spouse of a U.S. citizen, unmarried children under the age of 21, and the parents of a U.S. citizen over the age of 21. This type of family-based immigration is not subject to quota restrictions, so the processing time is usually faster.
• 2. Family relatives: Refers to the adult unmarried children, married children, brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and the spouses and unmarried children of U.S. permanent residents. This type of relative immigration is subject to quota restrictions and requires a waiting list.

Want to know more about how to immigrate to the United States? Recommended reading article: Hong Kong Immigration to the United States Lazy Pack: Compare the 6 major immigration methods, conditions, and fees

Conditions for U.S. Family-Based Immigration

The conditions for U.S. family-based immigration vary based on the kinship relationship and the status of the sponsor. The following details the application requirements for each category:

• Immediate Family Members (Not Subject to Quota Restrictions)

  • Spouse of a U.S. citizen: Valid marriage certificate is required.
  • Unmarried children of U.S. citizens under 21 years old: Birth certificates and other documents proving parent-child relationship are required.
  • Parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is over 21 years old): Documents proving parent-child relationship such as birth certificate are required.

• Family Relatives (Subject to Quotas)

  • F1 visa: Adult unmarried children of U.S. citizens and their children.
  • F2A visa: Spouses and unmarried children of U.S. permanent residents.
  • F2B visa: Unmarried adult children of U.S. permanent residents.
  • F3 visa: Married children of U.S. citizens and their spouses and children.
  • F4 visa: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and children.

U.S. Family-Based Immigration Process

The U.S. family-based immigration process can be roughly divided into the following stages:

1. 1. Form I-130 (Immigration Application for Alien Relative)

   U.S. citizens or permanent residents submit Form I-130 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to file an immigration application for their foreign relatives. This form is intended to prove the kinship between the sponsor and the beneficiary.

2. 2. National Visa Center (NVC) Stage

   When the I-130 form is approved, the case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC will send a notice to the applicant, requiring payment of relevant fees, submission of DS-260 form (online immigrant visa application) and financial guarantee document (I-864 form).

3. 3. Consular Interview

   After completing the NVC stage, the applicant will receive an interview notice from the U.S. consulate abroad. The purpose of the interview is to confirm the applicant’s immigration eligibility.

4. 4. Entering the United States and Obtaining a Green Card

   After passing the interview, the applicant can obtain an immigrant visa and apply for a green card after entering the United States.

Time for Family-Based Immigration in the United States

The review time for relative-based immigration varies depending on the quotas and schedules of each category. Immediate relatives are usually reviewed faster, while family relatives may need to wait longer. You can check the latest scheduling information through U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin .

Summary

Reuniting with family is a dream for many people, and family-based immigration to the United States provides a way to realize this dream. Understanding the relevant procedures, times and conditions can help you complete your application more smoothly. When you leave your hometown, the last thing you can't let go of is your family. Fuuffy understands that immigration is cumbersome and difficult. We provide professional immigration moving services, allowing you to easily transport important items to your new home and start a better life with your family in the new world. Check out the Hong Kong to the United States guide to learn about the cheapest shipping costs and time to ship to the United States!