Immigrant Visas are classified in the following categories:
(1) Immediate Relatives:
The following immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are eligible to qualify for immigration in the immediate relative category: (1) Spouse or Minor Child (2) Parent (3) Step-parent or child (4) deceased Spouse
(2) Family Based Immigration:
Persons seeking to immigrate in one of the family based preference categories will qualify for immigrant status only if they have the necessary relationship to a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident as described: (1) Unmarried Son or Daughter over the age of 21 (2) Spouse or Unmarried Son or Daughter of a Lawful Permanent Resident (3) Married Son or Daughter (4) Brother or Sister
Note: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.
(3) Employment Based Immigration:
A specific offer of employment from a U.S. based employer is required to qualify for immigration in the employment based preference categories: (1) Priority Workers (2) Members of "The Professions", Persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and business (3) Professionals (4) Skilled and Unskilled Workers (5) Special immigrants (6) Investors
(4) Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, known as the "green card" lottery.