Which family members can file petitions for permanent residence?

U.S. Citizens:
For spouses, single children under 21 and parents -under the Immediate Relative (IR) category. No waiting period, no need to use parag.245(i).
For single step-children under 21 - same as above, is parents married before child's 18th birthday. No waiting period as well.
For single adopted children under 21 - if adoption is completed before the 16th birthday - also no waiting period, still same IR category.
For single children over 21 - under the Family 1st category. There is currently a 3-year waiting list for the adjustment of status to be filed.
For married children and their families - Family 3rd classification. Approximately 5 years' wait currently.
For brothers and sisters - under the Family 4th class - over 10 years of waiting period currently.

Permanent Residents:
for spouses and single children under 21 - under Family 2A , currently an approximate wait of 5 years to file for adjustment for single children over 21 - under Family 2B - currently an 8-year waiting period.
Cannot file for parents, married children or brothers and sisters.

BACK