Sub-category B includes unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents, if the son or daughter is twenty one years of age or older. The third category includes all married sons and daughters of United States citizens, regardless of age. The fourth category includes brothers and sisters of United States citizens, regardless of age. The employment-based immigrants classification is divided into five categories. There may be a waiting list for some or all of these categories.
Most immigrants obtain immigrant visas at United States consulates or embassies abroad.
However, some relatives or employees temporarily in the United States may be able to become lawful permanent residents without having to leave the country through a procedure called adjustment of status. A visa number must be current or immediately available before a relative or employee may apply for adjustment of status. Only persons who have been inspected by an immigration officer at the time of entry into the United States and were admitted or paroled into the country may apply for adjustment of status. Certain other requirements must also be met. The following three restrictions do not apply to immediate relatives of United States citizens.