[ Immigration ]

What does the petition do for my relative?

Filing a relative petition and proving a qualifying relationship gives the relative a place in line among others waiting to immigrate based on the same kind of relationship. When the place in line is reached, the relative may be eligible to apply to immigrate.

For example: You file a petition for your sister. If we approve it, your petition gives her a place in the line of people from the same country who are also brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.

Your relative's place in line will be based on the date you file your petition. So, there is an advantage to filing as soon as possible. There is no waiting line for a U.S. citizen's parent, spouse, or unmarried child under age 21.

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services