Within the preference petitions there are four Preference categories. Being in the Immediate Relative category brings certain advantages such as

Faster processing of your case. The different categories are as follows:

Immediate Relatives are the spouse, parent or unmarried, minor child of a U.S. Citizen.

⊙ First preference category is for unmarried children of U.S. citizens who are Twenty one years old or older.

⊙ Second Preference Group A is for the spouse and unmarried minor children of permanent residents. Group B is for unmarried children of permanent residents who are twenty-one years old or older.

⊙ Third preference is for married children of U.S. citizens.

⊙ Fourth preference is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.

To petition for a family member you have to qualify under than one of the above categories. No one can petition for an uncle, aunt, cousin, grandchild, or grandparent.

There are two primary forms used by the Immigration. Form I-130 classifies your case in a certain category whether it is Immediate Relative or one of the preference categories. I-485 form is used to apply for a green card if you are in the United States. Immediate Relatives have no waiting period between filing the I-130 and the I-485. Immediate Relatives can file the two forms together.

The four preferences all have varying waiting periods between the time the I-130 is filed and the time the I-485 can be filed. the chart of waiting periods is updated every month. What this means is if you are not in the Immediate Relative category, you file the I-130 to get your place in line. Sometimes you have to wait years. When you reach the front of the line you can apply for a green card.