Family-based Green Cards

Types of Family-based Green Cards

Generally, there are two categories of individuals qualified for family-based green cards/permanent residence: immediate relatives and preference relatives.

Green Cards for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can sponsor immediate relatives for green card status/permanent residence. Immediate relatives are defined as spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. There is no cap on the number of immediate relative green cards available each year.

Green Cards for Family Preference

Preference relatives are categorized as follows:

• First preference (F1): Unmarried, adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (adult means 21 or older.)

• Second Preference (F2A): Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of permanent residents

• Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents

• Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens

• Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens

Unlike immediate relative green cards, family-sponsored preference green cards are limited to 226,000 green cards per year. In addition to this numerical limit, foreign nationals born in certain countries are subject to country quotas. The Visa Bulletin provides important dates based on green card type, and this USCIS page has more information on availability and priority dates.

Due to high demand, it can be several years and even decades before a preference relative green card number becomes available. As a result, preference relatives will not be able to file the final stage of their green card process (i.e., I-485 adjustment of status) and/or be scheduled for their immigrant visa/green card interview at a U.S. consulate abroad for many years.