Green Card (Family)

Family-Based Immigration

Family-sponsored immigration is classified into the following five categories. Depending on the type of family-sponsored visa, the number of visas that can be issued each year is limited. Therefore, there may be a change in the waiting period before you can apply for an immigrant visa after the petition has been filed.

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

Spouse of a citizen, unmarried child under the age of 21, and parent can be categorized as "immediate relatives" of a U.S. Citizen. This category has the priority over any other category, and there is no limit to the number of annual immigrants under this category.

First Preference (F1)

F1 applies to unmarried children of citizens over 21 years of age. Immigration quotas for this category are allocated to 23,400 people each year. The process takes about seven years and married children are not eligible for this category

Second Preference (F2)

This category is limited to a total of 114,200 people every year, divided into categories A and B.

Second Preference A (F2A) - Spouse of permanent resident and unmarried child less than 21 years old
(Immigration quotas set to approximately 88,000 people each year. The process takes about 2 years.)
Second Preference B (F2B) - Adult unmarried children 21 years of age or older
(Immigration quotas set to approximately 23,000 people to each year. The process takes about 8 years.)

Third Preference (F3)

This category applies to married children of citizens. Immigration quotas for this category are allocated to approximately 27,000 immigrants each year. Those who apply under this category wait at least 10-15 years.

Fourth Preference (F4)

This applies to siblings of adult citizens. Quotas set to approximately 65,000 immigrants each year. Those who apply under this category wait at least 10-15 years.