Immigrant Visas

Types of Immigrant Visas

U.S. law divides immigrants into two general categories:

1. Immigrants not subject to numerical limitations:
   • Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens - including spouses, unmarried children and parents;
   • Returning Residents - those Legal Permanent Residents who lived abroad for more than one year. 
     
     
2. Immigrants subject to numerical limitations:
   • Unmarried sons or daughters over 21; 
   • Spouses and children of Legal Permanent Residents;
   • Married sons or daughters of U.S. Citizens; 
   • Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens; and
   • Employment based immigrants.

Applicants with further questions may contact the consular section for additional information about the specific categories of immigrant visas.