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What is family-based immigration? 

It is the primary mechanism for immigration to the United States. Our family immigration system was established by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 to end the racist national origin quotas​ which previously had heavily favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe and began with the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

Currently, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can sponsor certain family members for a visa that provides permanent residence, also known as a green card. Today, family visas account for about 65 percent of immigration visas each year. 

Who is eligible for a family visa?

Immediate relatives: spouses of U.S. citizens; unmarried children of U.S. citizens under age 21; orphans adopted abroad; orphans to be adopted in the U.S. by U.S. citizens; and parents of U.S. citizens age 21 or older. 

What are family preference categories?

Most people who come to the U.S. through family immigration are spouses or children of U.S. citizens or LPRs. In 2015, spouses and children accounted for 69 percent of family immigration and 44 percent of total immigration. U.S. citizens and LPRs can only sponsor family members in the following categories:

• Unmarried children of U.S. citizens or of their spouses

• Minor children and unmarried sons and daughters over 21 of LPRs

• Married children of U.S. citizens and their spouses, and minor children

• Siblings of U.S. citizens over age 21, their spouses and minor children 

How many relatives does an immigrant typically sponsor? 

In recent decades, the typical immigrant has sponsored approximately 3.5 relatives, including spouses and children. 

What are the requirements for family visas?

• Sponsor in the U.S., who must submit a signed affidavit of support promising they will be financially responsible for the applicant(s)

• Application

• Numerous screenings and background checks

• Interview, fee, and medical examination

Are there problems with the family immigration system?

Yes. It can take years or even decades for a family member to get their visa. The U.S. government issues a maximum 480,000 family visas per fiscal year, and no country of origin can account for more than seven percent of that figure. The high demand for family visas from certain countries contributes to substantial backlogs in most family preference categories. In FY 2017, there was a 35 percent increase in the backlog​ of petition for non-immediate family members.

Learn more about Family Immigration and Family Visas & Backlogs.