Family Immigration

Protection for those fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Must apply within 1 year of US arrival (with limited exceptions). Affirmative asylum: apply directly to USCIS asylum office. Defensive asylum: apply in removal proceedings before immigration judge. Work authorization (EAD) available 180 days after filing (30 days after recent rule changes). If granted, can apply for green card after 1 year. Family members can be included as derivatives.

Family-sponsored permanent residence for relatives of US citizens and permanent residents. Immediate relatives (spouse, unmarried children under 21, parents of adult citizens) have no annual cap and are immediately eligible. Preference categories face backlogs: F1 (unmarried adult children of citizens), F2A/F2B (spouse/children of LPRs), F3 (married children of citizens), F4 (siblings of adult citizens). K1 fiancé visa requires marriage within 90 days of entry. Processing times range from 1 year to 20+ years depending on category and country.

Residency for family members of Mexican nationals or legal residents. Spouses of Mexicans receive 2-year temporary residency initially, then can apply for permanent residency. Parents of Mexican-born children are immediately eligible for residency and can apply directly at INM in Mexico (no consulate visa needed). Dependent children under 18 can be included on parent's residency application. Family ties provide faster path to permanent residency and citizenship (2 years instead of 5).

Permanent residency in Mexico with no renewal required. Two paths: (1) After 4 consecutive years as temporary resident, or (2) Direct qualification for retirees/pensioners with higher income (~$7,100 USD/month) or substantial savings (~$280,000 USD). Also available to spouses of Mexican nationals, parents of Mexican-born children, and those with family ties. Permanent residents can work without additional permit. Card must be replaced every 10 years. Provides nearly all rights of citizens except voting.

Migrant (M) category visa for spouses or permanent partners of Colombian citizens. One of the fastest paths to permanent residency - eligible for R visa after just 3 years instead of 5. Requires legal marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation (union marital de hecho). Both civil and religious marriages recognized. Must demonstrate genuine relationship through documentation. Allows full work rights in Colombia. Common path for foreigners who meet Colombian partners.

Permanent Resident (R) visa for foreigners who have held M category visas for required period. Most M visa holders eligible after 5 continuous years; marriage visa holders after 3 years. Grants indefinite residency in Colombia. Still requires cedula renewal every 5 years but visa doesn't expire. After 5 more years (10 total), eligible for Colombian citizenship. Must maintain residence in Colombia and not be absent more than 2 continuous years. Full work rights and access to all services.

Residence visa for parents of adult New Zealand citizens or residents. Two categories: Parent Resident Visa (requires adult children to meet income threshold and sponsor financially) and Parent Retirement Resident Visa (for parents with investment funds). Must have adult child who is NZ citizen or resident as sponsor. Sponsor must meet minimum income requirements to demonstrate ability to support parents. Expression of Interest system with limited annual numbers. Long processing times due to demand. Health requirements significant due to age. Brings families together but requires strong financial commitment from adult children.

Allows partners of New Zealand citizens, residents, or certain temporary visa holders to live in NZ. Must demonstrate genuine and stable partnership. Partnership can be married, civil union, or de facto relationship (living together for 12+ months in genuine and stable relationship). Initial temporary visa granted, followed by residence visa if relationship continues. Evidence required includes joint finances, shared household, social recognition of relationship. Supported work visa holders may support partner visas if meeting requirements. Does not include dependent children sponsorship under partner visa - they apply separately.

Accelerated path to Ghanaian citizenship available to citizens of approved countries who have resided in Ghana for 5 years (or shorter period at Minister's discretion) and can speak an indigenous language. Marriage to a Ghanaian citizen combined with 5 years residence allows registration. Note: Foreign women married to Ghanaian men can acquire nationality immediately, while foreign men married to Ghanaian women must establish permanent residency first - this gender disparity exists in current law.

Visa for spouses, children, and (rarely) parents to join family members in Germany. Spouses require A1 German language certificate (waived for EU Blue Card holders, highly qualified persons, and citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, USA). Children under 16 no language requirement. Requires adequate housing and financial security. Spouse receives unrestricted work authorization immediately upon permit issuance. Processing 1-3 months. Citizens of select countries can enter visa-free and apply from within Germany.

Residency pathway for family members of Paraguayan citizens or permanent residents. Covers spouses, children (under 18 or dependent), and parents. Follows similar process to standard temporary residency but with family relationship documentation. Spouse of Paraguayan citizen may have expedited path. Children born in Paraguay are automatically citizens.

Family reunification allows residence permit holders to bring eligible family members to Portugal. Eligible family members include spouse/partner, minor children, dependent adult children, and dependent parents. Sponsor must demonstrate adequate housing and financial means (income requirements increase per family member). Family members receive residence permits matching the sponsor's duration. Can work in Portugal. Application through Portuguese consulate or AIMA if family member already in Portugal.

Allows Spanish residents to bring family members to Spain. Sponsor must have lived in Spain for at least 12 months and obtained first renewal of residence card. Income requirement: 150% of IPREM (€10,800/year) for one family member, plus 50% of IPREM (€300) for each additional member. Eligible family includes spouse/partner, children under 18, adult children under 25 if studying, and dependent parents. Family members receive residence and work permits. Can apply from origin country or within Spain (new 2026 rule).

General long-stay visa for stays exceeding 90 days for various purposes including entrepreneurship, study, family reunion, cultural/religious activities, diplomatic activities, and medical treatment. Purpose-specific documentation required. Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity and proof of accommodation mandatory. Approximately 30-day processing time. Serves as gateway to residence permits for extended stays in Moldova.