Immediate Relatives
Immediate Relatives
The following immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are eligible to qualify for immigration in the immediate relative category.
Note: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.
- Spouse or minor child of a U.S. citizen An immigrant visa may only be processed for a child if he/she has no claim to U.S. citizenship.
- Parent of a U.S. citizen U.S. citizen must be 21 or over
- Step-parent or child of a U.S. citizen Step-parent, step-child relationship must occur before the child’s 18th birthday (the natural parent of the child must marry the U.S. citizen spouse before the child turns 18)
- Spouse of a deceased U.S. Citizen
- Orphans adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen