“immediate relative”

This page presents an official legal definition of “immediate relative” from a government source. Additional definitions will be added as jurisdictions publish them.

Jurisdiction: United States United States

Immediate relatives include:

  • The spouses of U.S. citizens;
  • The children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of U.S. citizens;
  • The parents of U.S. citizens at least 21 years old; and
  • Widows or widowers of U.S. citizens if the U.S. citizen filed a petition before his or her death or if the widow(er) files a petition within 2 years of the citizen’s death.
Source: USCIS Glossary (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)