Application for Immigrant Visa: Family-Based Immigration: There is a specific limited number of Visas that will be issued by the US government each year. The way to apply for a Family Member Immigration Visa is to file an application called an I-130 Petition. Usually the US citizen files this form on behalf of the person who would like a Visa. This person is called the beneficiary.

The government distinguishes among family members between two categories:

• Immediate Relatives of US citizens; and
• Family Relatives, called Family-Based Preferences.