What Is Family Preference
Family preference categories are visa classifications that allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain relatives for green cards. These categories cover family members beyond the immediate family (spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens), such as adult children, siblings, and more distant relatives.
The U.S. immigration system allocates a fixed number of family-based visas annually. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 226,000 family preference visas were available across four preference categories. Because demand typically exceeds supply, family preference visas operate on a first-come basis using priority dates. Your priority date is the date USCIS receives your relative's immigrant petition (Form I-130), and it determines your place in line for visa availability.
The Four Family Preference Categories
- First Preference (F1): Unmarried adult children (21 and older) of U.S. citizens. Current wait times range from 2 to 8 years depending on the country of origin.
- Second Preference (F2): Spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents. This is the largest category, subdivided into F2A (immediate family) and F2B (adult children). F2A backlogs are typically 1 to 3 years; F2B can exceed 10 years.
- Third Preference (F3): Married adult children of U.S. citizens. Wait times often extend 5 to 10 years or longer.
- Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of adult U.S. citizens. This category has the longest backlogs, often 10 to 25 years.
How the Process Works
Your relative files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS to establish the family relationship and sponsorship intent. USCIS assigns a priority date when the petition is properly filed. Once USCIS approves the petition, your case moves to the next phase: either adjustment of status (if you are physically in the U.S.) or consular processing (if you are outside the U.S.).
Visa availability depends on the Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State. The Bulletin shows the earliest priority dates that can be processed each month for each family preference category and country. If your priority date is earlier than the cutoff date listed, you may proceed with your green card application during that month.
Common Questions
- How long does a family preference case typically take? Total processing time ranges from 2 to 25 years, depending on the category and your country of origin. F1 and F2A cases move faster (2 to 8 years), while F3, F4, and F2B cases are significantly delayed.
- Can I work while waiting for family preference visa processing? Yes. You can file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) once your adjustment of status application is pending and you have been waiting at least 180 days. Consular processing applicants cannot work in the U.S. while waiting.
- Does my priority date ever go backward? Yes. The Department of State can retrogress priority dates if visa demand exceeds allocation. This occasionally occurs in oversubscribed categories like F4 and F2B, pushing your timeline back.