Family Petitions
A spouse of a United States citizen will normally be entitled to an “immediately available” immigrant visa. The order of preference priority to enter the United States is first, unmarried, 21 years old and up sons and daughters of the citizen; second, spouses of lawful permanent residents; third, married sons and daughters of United States citizens; and finally, brothers and sisters of adult United States citizens.
An adult citizen of the United States or a permanent resident can make an I-130 application to the Immigration Service for a visa for a spouse or other immediate relatives like their children, a mother, father, sister or brother. Once approved, it does NOT mean there is an immigrant visa available yet for the family member to use.