Regarding the scope of ‘immediate relatives’ in family-based immigration
I’d like to know the scope of who counts as an immediate relative in family-based immigration. I’d like to know whether immediate relatives can apply for a green card regardless of the priority date.
Immediate relatives are as follows. Immediate relatives are processed with no numerical limit and can apply for a green card regardless of the priority date:
Spouse of a U.S. citizen
Parent of a U.S. citizen
Unmarried minor child of a U.S. citizen
Other relatives (preference categories)
For reference, other family categories are as follows. For relatives outside the immediate relative category, processing time is differentiated by preference level below — in other words, when you can file for a green card (I-485) is determined by the priority date (visa availability) according to your preference category:
Unmarried adult child of a U.S. citizen (F1)
Spouse and unmarried children of a green card holder (F2)
Married child of a U.S. citizen (F3)
Sibling of a U.S. citizen (F4)