Embassy Consulate Information WorldWide

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Note: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.

Unmarried Son or Daughter over the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen

Spouse or Unmarried Son or Daughter of a Lawful Permanent Resident

Married Son or Daughter of a U.S. Citizen

Brother or Sister of a U.S. Citizen

Student Visas

A student wishing to attend a university or other academic institution in the United States requires a student (F-1) visa; those wishing to attend a vocational or non-academic institution require an M-1 visa. Holders of visitor (B-2) visas and those who have entered the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program are prohibited from entering into full-time study. Contact the Fulbright Commission Educational Advisory Service for information about studying at colleges and universities in the United States.

Academic (F-1) Visa
A student wishing to attend a university or other academic institution in the United States, including primary and secondary schools, or a language training program requires an F-1 visa. Section 214(l) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), prohibits the issuance of F-1 visas to students who are going to the United States to attend public elementary schools (grades K through 8, approximately ages 5 to 14) and publicly funded adult education programs such as foreign language classes. Students applying for F-1 visas to attend public secondary schools (grades 9 through 12, approximately ages 14 to 18) are limited to a maximum of 12 months of public high school in F-1 status and must show proof that payment has been made for the full, unsubsidized cost of the education before a visa can be processed. Students attending private elementary and secondary schools are not affected by this ruling.

Immediate Relatives

The following immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are eligible to qualify for immigration in the immediate relative category.

Note: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.

Spouse or Minor Child of a U.S. Citizen
An immigrant visa may only be processed for a child if he/she has no claim to U.S. citizenship.

Parent of a U.S. Citizen
U.S. citizen must be 21 or over
Step-parent or child of a U.S. Citizen
Step-parent, step-child relationship must occur before the child’s 18th birthday
Spouse of a deceased U.S. citizen
Petition must be filed within 2 years of the death of the U.S. citizen