What are the basics of family-based immigration?

 Posted on November 01, 2020 in family-based immigration

Once you settle in the United States and have everything in order to legally set up your life here, you will probably want to find out how to bring your family to the country. The U.S. does offer some options for family-based immigration because it believes family unification is important.

However, the American Immigration Council explains there are quite a few restrictions in place, and the process is not always easy.

The family preference system limit

As a legal permanent resident, you can bring family members to the U.S. through the family preference system. The system has a limit on the number of visas issued each year, so there is no guarantee that it will be a quick process.

The limit is in place to help keep control over the number of immigrants coming into the country based on family relationships. It helps to leave room for immigrants coming here for other reasons. You likely came here under another type of visa, and without the family limits, you may never have gotten your visa to come here in the first place.

The formula to calculate the exact number of visas is a little confusing, but what is important to note is that there will always be at least 226,000 visas available every year for family-based immigrants.

Immigration requirements

Even coming here on a family visa has requirements. You met some when you immigrated to the country, and your family must meet similar ones. In addition, this visa option is only available for your children and spouse. Do note that your child must not be in a marriage to qualify.