Family-based immigration
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Immigration Law and Professional Responsibility course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Family #
based Immigration
Family #
based immigration refers to the process by which individuals are able to immigrate to a new country based on their familial relationships with existing citizens or lawful permanent residents of that country. This type of immigration allows for family reunification and the preservation of family unity. Family-based immigration is a key aspect of immigration law in many countries and serves as a means for individuals to join their loved ones in a new country.
Immediate Relative #
Immediate Relative
An immediate relative is a specific category of family #
based immigration in the United States that includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. Immediate relatives are not subject to numerical limitations set by the government, making the process faster and more straightforward compared to other family-based categories.
Preference Categories #
Preference Categories
Preference categories refer to the different family #
based immigration categories that are subject to numerical limitations in the United States. These categories include unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, siblings of U.S. citizens, and spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents. Each category has a specific quota for visas issued each year, leading to waiting periods for individuals in these categories.
Priority Date #
Priority Date
The priority date is an important aspect of family #
based immigration in the United States. It is the date on which a petition is filed on behalf of an individual seeking to immigrate based on a familial relationship. The priority date determines an individual's place in line for a visa, with earlier priority dates having a better chance of receiving a visa sooner.
Adjustment of Status #
Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of status is the process by which an individual already in the United… #
This process is available to certain individuals, such as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Consular Processing #
Consular Processing
Consular processing is the process by which individuals outside the United State… #
S. consulate or embassy in their home country. After the visa is approved, the individual can travel to the United States and be admitted as a lawful permanent resident.
Conditional Permanent Resident #
Conditional Permanent Resident
A conditional permanent resident is an individual who receives a green card base… #
Conditional permanent residency is valid for two years, after which the individual must apply to have the conditions removed to maintain permanent resident status.
Marriage Fraud #
Marriage Fraud
Marriage fraud refers to a situation in which a marriage is entered into solely… #
This includes marriages where one party pays the other for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. Marriage fraud is illegal and can result in severe consequences for those involved.
Joint Sponsor #
Joint Sponsor
A joint sponsor is an individual who agrees to financially support an immigrant… #
A joint sponsor must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide financial documentation to demonstrate their ability to support the immigrant.
Follow #
to-Join Benefits
Follow #
to-join benefits allow certain family members of lawful permanent residents to apply for immigrant visas and join their family members in the United States. This benefit is available to spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of lawful permanent residents who were not included in the original immigrant petition.
Conditional Green Card #
Conditional Green Card
A conditional green card is issued to individuals who obtain lawful permanent re… #
The conditional green card is valid for two years, after which the individual must apply to have the conditions removed to maintain permanent resident status.
Preference System #
Preference System
The preference system is a method used by the United States to allocate immigran… #
The system gives priority to certain categories of immigrants, such as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, over other family-based categories with numerical limitations.
Spouse Visa #
Spouse Visa
A spouse visa is a type of immigrant visa that allows the spouse of a U #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to immigrate to the United States. This type of visa is available to individuals who are legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meet specific eligibility criteria.
Green Card Through Marriage #
Green Card Through Marriage
A green card through marriage is a pathway to obtaining lawful permanent residen… #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This process requires the submission of evidence to prove the legitimacy of the marriage and the intention to establish a life together in the United States.
Spousal Sponsorship #
Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal sponsorship is the process by which a U #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitions for their foreign national spouse to immigrate to the United States. This process involves submitting a petition, supporting documentation, and attending interviews to prove the validity of the marriage and the eligibility of the foreign national spouse for immigration benefits.
Derivative Beneficiary #
Derivative Beneficiary
A derivative beneficiary is an individual who is eligible to receive immigration… #
This includes spouses and unmarried children of the principal beneficiary who are eligible to accompany or follow to join the principal beneficiary in the immigration process.
Family Unity #
Family Unity
Family unity is a principle in immigration law that recognizes the importance of… #
Family-based immigration policies aim to promote family reunification and preserve the unity of immediate and extended family members in the United States.
Immediate Family Member #
Immediate Family Member
An immediate family member is a close relative of a U #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is eligible for immigration benefits under the immediate relative category. Immediate family members include spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
Marriage Visa #
Marriage Visa
A marriage visa is a type of immigrant visa that allows the fiancé(e) of a U #
S. citizen to travel to the United States to marry and apply for lawful permanent residency. This type of visa is available to individuals who are engaged to a U.S. citizen and plan to marry within 90 days of entering the United States.
Family Sponsorship #
Family Sponsorship
Family sponsorship is the process by which a U #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitions for their eligible family members to immigrate to the United States. This process requires the submission of a petition, supporting documentation, and proof of the familial relationship to establish eligibility for immigration benefits.
Conditional Residence #
Conditional Residence
Conditional residence is a temporary status granted to individuals who obtain la… #
The conditions placed on the residency must be removed after two years to maintain permanent resident status.
Marriage #
Based Green Card
A marriage #
based green card is a lawful permanent residency status granted to individuals who are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This status allows the individual to live and work in the United States indefinitely and provides a pathway to citizenship after meeting certain requirements.
Family Reunification #
Family Reunification
Family reunification is a key goal of family #
based immigration policies that aim to bring together immediate and extended family members who are separated by borders. This process allows family members to reunite and maintain close ties despite living in different countries.
Conditional Permanent Residence #
Conditional Permanent Residence
Conditional permanent residence is a status granted to individuals who obtain la… #
This status is valid for two years and requires the conditions to be removed to maintain permanent resident status.
Spousal Visa #
Spousal Visa
A spousal visa is a type of immigrant visa that allows the spouse of a U #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to immigrate to the United States. This type of visa is available to individuals who are legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meet specific eligibility criteria.
Marriage Fraud Detection #
Marriage Fraud Detection
Marriage fraud detection refers to the process by which immigration authorities… #
This includes interviews, document reviews, and other measures to determine the legitimacy of a marriage and the intentions of the parties involved.
Family #
Based Petition
A family #
based petition is a formal request submitted by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor their eligible family members for immigration benefits. This petition includes supporting documentation to prove the familial relationship and establish eligibility for the requested immigration benefits.
Conditional Permanent Residency #
Conditional Permanent Residency
Conditional permanent residency is a temporary status granted to individuals who… #
This status requires the conditions to be removed after two years to maintain permanent resident status.
Marriage #
Based Immigration
Marriage #
based immigration refers to the process by which individuals obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This process involves submitting a petition, attending interviews, and proving the legitimacy of the marriage to qualify for immigration benefits.
Family #
Based Green Card
A family #
based green card is a lawful permanent residency status granted to individuals who are sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. This status allows the individual to live and work in the United States indefinitely and provides a pathway to citizenship after meeting certain requirements.
Spousal Immigration #
Spousal Immigration
Spousal immigration is the process by which a foreign national spouse of a U #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immigrates to the United States based on their marital relationship. This process involves submitting a petition, providing supporting documentation, attending interviews, and proving the validity of the marriage.
Immediate Relative Petition #
Immediate Relative Petition
An immediate relative petition is a formal request submitted by a U #
S. citizen on behalf of their immediate family member to obtain immigration benefits. Immediate relative petitions are not subject to numerical limitations and are processed faster than other family-based categories in the United States.
Conditional Permanent Residency Status #
Conditional Permanent Residency Status
Conditional permanent residency status is a temporary status granted to individu… #
This status requires the conditions to be removed after two years to maintain permanent resident status.
Marriage #
Based Visa
A marriage #
based visa is a type of immigrant visa that allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to immigrate to the United States. This type of visa is available to individuals who are legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meet specific eligibility criteria.
Family #
Based Sponsorship
Family #
based sponsorship is the process by which a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitions for their eligible family members to immigrate to the United States. This process requires the submission of a petition, supporting documentation, and proof of the familial relationship to establish eligibility for immigration benefits.
Conditional Permanent Residency Card #
Conditional Permanent Residency Card
A conditional permanent residency card is issued to individuals who obtain lawfu… #
This card is valid for two years and requires the conditions to be removed to maintain permanent resident status.
Spousal Immigration Process #
Spousal Immigration Process
The spousal immigration process is the series of steps involved in bringing a fo… #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This process includes submitting a petition, providing supporting documentation, attending interviews, and proving the validity of the marriage.
Immediate Relative Sponsorship #
Immediate Relative Sponsorship
An immediate relative sponsorship is the act of a U #
S. citizen sponsoring their immediate family member for immigration benefits in the United States. Immediate relative sponsorships are not subject to numerical limitations and are processed faster than other family-based categories.
Family #
Based Immigrant Petition
A family #
based immigrant petition is a formal request submitted by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor their eligible family members for immigration benefits. This petition includes supporting documentation to prove the familial relationship and establish eligibility for the requested immigration benefits.
Conditional Permanent Resident Status #
Conditional Permanent Resident Status
Conditional permanent resident status is a temporary status granted to individua… #
This status requires the conditions to be removed after two years to maintain permanent resident status.
Marriage #
Based Immigration Process
The marriage #
based immigration process is the series of steps involved in obtaining lawful permanent residency in the United States based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This process includes submitting a petition, attending interviews, and proving the legitimacy of the marriage to qualify for immigration benefits.
Family #
Based Green Card Application
A family #
based green card application is the process by which individuals are sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. This application involves submitting a petition, providing supporting documentation, and proving the familial relationship to qualify for immigration benefits.
Spousal Immigration Visa #
Spousal Immigration Visa
A spousal immigration visa is a type of immigrant visa that allows the foreign n… #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to immigrate to the United States based on their marital relationship. This type of visa is available to individuals who are legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meet specific eligibility criteria.
Immediate Relative Immigration Petition #
Immediate Relative Immigration Petition
An immediate relative immigration petition is a formal request submitted by a U #
S. citizen on behalf of their immediate family member to obtain immigration benefits. Immediate relative petitions are not subject to numerical limitations and are processed faster than other family-based categories in the United States.
Family #
Based Immigration Sponsorship
Family #
based immigration sponsorship is the act of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioning for their eligible family members to immigrate to the United States. This process requires the submission of a petition, supporting documentation, and proof of the familial relationship to establish eligibility for immigration benefits.
Conditional Permanent Residency Approval #
Conditional Permanent Residency Approval
Conditional permanent residency approval is the process by which individuals rec… #
This status is valid for two years and requires the conditions to be removed to maintain permanent resident status.
Marriage #
Based Green Card Application
A marriage #
based green card application is the process by which individuals apply for lawful permanent residency in the United States based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This application involves submitting a petition, attending interviews, and proving the legitimacy of the marriage to qualify for immigration benefits.
Family Reunification Policy #
Family Reunification Policy
Family reunification policy is a set of laws and regulations that govern the pro… #
These policies aim to promote family unity and reunification by allowing eligible family members to immigrate to the United States.
Immediate Family Member Sponsorship #
Immediate Family Member Sponsorship
An immediate family member sponsorship is the act of a U #
S. citizen sponsoring their immediate family member for immigration benefits in the United States. Immediate family member sponsorships are not subject to numerical limitations and are processed faster than other family-based categories.
Family #
Based Immigrant Visa
A family #
based immigrant visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to immigrate to the United States based on their familial relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This visa category includes immediate relatives and preference categories with numerical limitations.
Spousal Immigration Process Steps #
Spousal Immigration Process Steps
The spousal immigration process steps are the specific actions and requirements… #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. These steps include submitting a petition, providing supporting documentation, attending interviews, and proving the validity of the marriage.
Immediate Relative Sponsorship Process #
Immediate Relative Sponsorship Process
An immediate relative sponsorship process is the series of steps involved in a U #
S. citizen sponsoring their immediate family member for immigration benefits in the United States. Immediate relative sponsorship processes are not subject to numerical limitations and are processed faster than other family-based categories.
Family #
Based Immigrant Petition Process
A family #
based immigrant petition process is the formal request submitted by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor their eligible family members for immigration benefits. This process includes submitting a petition, providing supporting documentation, and proving the familial relationship to establish eligibility for the requested immigration benefits.
Conditional Permanent Resident Status Conditions #
Conditional Permanent Resident Status Conditions
Conditional permanent resident status conditions are the requirements placed on… #
These conditions must be removed after two years to maintain permanent resident status.
Marriage #
Based Immigration Process Steps
The marriage #
based immigration process steps are the specific actions and requirements involved in obtaining lawful permanent residency in the United States based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. These steps include submitting a petition, attending interviews, and proving the legitimacy of the marriage to qualify for immigration benefits.
Family #
Based Green Card Application Process
A family #
based green card application process is the series of steps involved in individuals being sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. This process includes submitting a petition, providing supporting documentation, and proving the familial relationship to qualify for immigration benefits.
Spousal Immigration Visa Application Process #
Spousal Immigration Visa Application Process
A spousal immigration visa application process is the series of steps involved i… #
S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to immigrate to the United States. This process includes submitting a petition, providing supporting documentation, attending interviews, and proving the validity of the marriage.
Immediate Relative Immigration Petition Process #
Immediate Relative Immigration Petition Process
An immediate relative immigration petition process is the formal request submitt… #
S. citizen on behalf of their immediate family member to obtain immigration benefits. Immediate relative petitions are not subject to numerical limitations and are processed faster than other family-based categories in the United States.
Family #
Based Immigration Sponsorship Process
Family #
based immigration sponsorship process is the act of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioning for their eligible family members to immigrate to the United States. This process requires the submission of a petition, supporting documentation, and proof of the familial relationship to establish eligibility for immigration benefits.
Conditional Permanent Residency Approval Process #
Conditional Permanent Residency Approval Process
Conditional permanent residency approval process is the series of steps involved… #
This process requires the conditions to be removed after two years to maintain permanent resident status.
Marriage #
Based Green Card Application Process
A marriage #
based green card application process is the series of steps involved in applying for lawful permanent residency in the United States based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This process includes submitting a petition, attending interviews, and proving the legitimacy of the marriage to qualify for immigration benefits.
Family Reunification Policy Implementation #
Family Reunification Policy Implementation