Whether you are a US Citizen or a US lawful permanent resident (a green card holder), who intends to petition a relative or family member, should get a Family-Based Immigration Visa for them. It is important to remember that there are two types of family-based immigration visas: Immediate Relative and Family Preference.

When we say immediate relative visa, it means that a foreign citizen should have a close family connection with a US citizen, which might be their children, spouse, or parents. The benefit of an immediate relative visa is that the number of immigrants in this category is not limited each year, thus the chances of approval are significantly better.

A family preference visa requires a more specific and more distant family connection with a US citizen as well as a specific relationship with a US lawful permanent resident or green card holder. Each fiscal year, the number of immigrants in this category is regulated.

It is important to remember that US residents can apply for an immigrant visa for their spouse, children, siblings, and parents. A lawful permanent resident of the United States can only file an immigrant visa petition for their spouse and unmarried children.