Individual/ Family and TPS

A foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the United States requires an immigrant visa (IV). To be eligible to apply for an IV, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).

Green Card for Immediate Relatives

If you are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, you can become a lawful permanent resident (apply for a Green Card) if you are:

  • The spouse of a U.S. citizen;
  • The unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen; or
  • The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).

Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants

U.S. immigration law allows certain noncitizens who are family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card) based on specific family relationships:

  • First preference (F1) – unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens;
  • Second preference (F2A) – spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents;
  • Second preference (F2B) – unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents;
  • Third preference (F3) – married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and
  • Fourth preference (F4) – brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older).

Visas for Fiancé(e)s of U.S. Citizens

You may be eligible to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States on a fiancé(e) visa if you meet the following requirements:

    • You are a U.S. citizen;
    • You and your fiancé(e) intend to marry one another within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s admission to the United States on a K-1 nonimmigrant visa;
    • You and your fiancé(e) are both legally free to marry; and
    • You and your fiancé(e) met each other in person at least once within the 2-year period before you file your petition. You may request a waiver of this in-person meeting requirement.

Temporary Protected Status

Temporary protected status (TPS) is granted to eligible foreign-born individuals who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances preventing their country from adequately handling the return. During a designated period, TPS holders are eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD) and for travel authorization. Countries currently designated TPS:

    1. Afghanistan
    2. Burma(Myanmar)
    3. Cameroon
    4. El Salvador
    5. Haiti
    6. Honduras
    7. Nepal
    8. Nicaragua
    9. Somalia
    10. South Sudan
    11. Sudan
    12. Syria
    13. Ukraine
    14. Venezuela
    15. Yeme