American immigration age limit

American relatives immigrants are divided into close relatives and priority relatives. The former is not subject to the annual quota in the immigration law, while the latter is subject to the quota. Priority relatives are divided into four priority categories according to their relationships. 1. Close relatives without quota restrictions The close relatives mentioned here only refer to the close relatives of American citizens, excluding the close relatives of green card holders (permanent residents). Specifically, it includes spouses of American citizens, unmarried children under 2 1 year old, and parents of American citizens over 2 1 year old. The "spouse" mentioned here refers to the legal husband or wife of the opposite sex. American immigration law does not recognize gay "spouses". The "unmarried children under 2 1 year-old" mentioned here is not limited to the biological children of American citizens, but also includes unmarried children under 18 years old born to their spouses and ex-wives, and unmarried children under 16 years old legally adopted by American citizens. The so-called "unmarried" includes never getting married, or the death or divorce of the spouse, or for other legal reasons, the marriage is invalid. Close relatives of American citizens who belong to this category can apply for immigration to the United States at any time without waiting for a timetable. 2. Priority relatives subject to quota restrictions include the following four categories: (1) First priority: married children of American citizens aged 2 1; (2) The second priority category A: American permanent resident spouse or unmarried children under 2 1 year old; The second priority category B: unmarried children of American permanent residents with 265,438+0 or above; (3) Third priority: married children of American citizens; (4) Fourth priority: brothers and sisters of American citizens. The "brothers and sisters" mentioned here include half brothers and sisters, half brothers/half brothers and sisters, and adopted brothers and sisters. The State Council will publish a visa schedule every month, announcing the priority dates of various priority categories of immigrants. Priority relatives subject to quota must wait for the priority date before they can adjust to immigration status or interview at the consulate. Generally speaking, the lower the priority, the longer the waiting time. For example, the first priority application usually takes 4 to 5 years, while the fourth priority application is as long as 12 years.