The most common way of gaining residency in the U.S. is by a petition and immigration through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must have a qualifying family relationship.
Qualifying relationships are grouped into two main categories – immediate relatives and other close family members. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are given special preferential treatment. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are allowed to immigrate in unlimited numbers.
The following are immediate relatives:
Spouses
Children, unmarried and under 21
Parents
Who can be considered a preference relative?
Other close family members of citizens and permanent residents are also allowed to immigrate, subject to annual numerical limitations. There are many technical rules relating to the allotment of visas in this group, as well as definitions of the family relationship.
The following are other relatives who are allowed to immigrate:
Unmarried adult children of citizens
Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents
Married adult children of citizens
Siblings of citizens
There are many technical rules relating to the allotment of visas in this group, as well as definitions of the family relationship.