Can my relative wait in the United States until becoming a permanent resident?

Your approved relative's petition gives your relative a place in line among those waiting to immigrate. It does not let him/her come to the U.S. or remain here until he/she can apply for permanent residence. He/she should wait outside the U.S. to immigrate legally. If he/she comes or stays without legal status, it will affect his/her eligibility to become a permanent resident when his/her place in line for a visa is reached. However, if your husband or wife, unmarried child under 21, or parent is already in the U.S. after having entered legally (and in certain other circumstances), and applies for permanent residence when you file your petition, then he/she may, with certain exceptions, remain in the U.S. while we process their application for permanent residence.