Given the complexities involved the U.S. immigration process, it may seem to you (as it does to many others in Schaumburg) that there is no rhyme or reason in the application approval process. Such is the assumption many bring to us here at the Francis Law Center.
Yet that is not the case. In fact, the visa application process must operate within a strict set of immigration quotas. Understanding what these quotas are may help you better determine your (or your loved one’s) chances of approval, or why certain applications gain approval while others do not.
Emphasizing family reunification
U.S. immigration policy emphasizes reuniting citizens or legal permanent residents with their immediate families. Thus, there are an unlimited number of visas made available for the spouses, minor children and parents of citizens. If you (or your loved one) happen to fall into this category, the potential of approval is likely high compared to other immigrant demographics. After that, a family preference system exists allotting visas for the family members of LPRs or the siblings of U.S. residents. No matter the year, the family preference immigration quota must fall between 226,000 and 480,000 (while it can never fall below the former, it can exceed the latter).
Quotas for other immigrant groups
Family-based immigration applications receive top priority. The website ImmigrationInto.us reports that the annual quota allotment then breaks down as follows:
- 140,000 visas for foreign workers
- 10,000 visas for foreign investors
- 50,000 visas for DV winners (selected registrants in the Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery)
- 140,000 visas for refugees and asylum seekers
Despite these allotted numbers, no country of origin can account for more than 7% of the total number of immigrants allowed entry.
You can find more information on immigration regulations by continuing to explore our site.
