There are two groups of family based immigrant visa categories: Immediate Relatives and Family Preference.
Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas are based on a close family relationship with a United States citizen (not a Lawful Permanent Resident). The number of immigrants in these categories is not limited each fiscal year. An “Immediate Relative” for immigration purposes is one of the following:
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Spouses of U.S. citizens (including same sex spouses)
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Unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of U.S. citizens
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Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen
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Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen
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Parent of a U.S. citizen (U.S. citizen child must be at least 21 years of age)
Although a fiance(e) does not fall into any of the above categories, a U.S. citizen can file for a fiancé(e) through a different visa process. A Lawful Permanent Residents cannot file for a fiancé(e).
Family Preference Immigrant Visas are available for certain, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen, as well as some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident. The quantity of such visas is limited for each fiscal year. “Family Preference” relatives for immigration purposes include the following:
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Unmarried son or daughter (age 21 and over) of a U.S. citizen, and their minor children
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Married son or daughter (age 21 and over) of a U.S. citizen, including their spouses and minor children
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Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen, including their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years of age
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Spouses of U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents
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Children of U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (under 21 years)
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Unmarried children (over 21 years) of U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents
Note that grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for an immigrant visa.