When discussing U.S. Immigration, it is important to understand the meaning of an “immediate relative.” An immediate relative is a family member who is eligible to receive an immigrant visa without waiting for an available visa number to become available. Immediate relatives are defined by law and typically include a spouse, parent, or child of a U.S. citizen.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issues immigrant visas to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. This process, known as “family-based immigration,” allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their immediate relatives for permanent resident status in the United States without having to wait an extended period of time for a visa number to become available.
For example, if an individual is a U.S. citizen with a spouse or child who is living in another country, that individual is able to sponsor their immediate relative for a visa without having to wait. By contrast, family members of a U.S. permanent resident must wait for a visa number to become available before they can obtain a visa.
Importance of Immediate Relative Status in Immigration Law
Immediate relative status is an important concept in U.S. immigration law, as it ensures that close family members of U.S. citizens can remain together without long delays. It is also an important factor in the consideration of visas for relatives who are not U.S. citizens, but who still wish to live with their family in the United States.
If you are applying for a family-based immigration application, it is important to understand the distinction between an immediate relative and a family member of a U.S. permanent resident. Understanding this concept can help make the process of applying for a visa much smoother.