Family-Based Immigration to the United States
By Vekyo Editorial Team · Last reviewed: October 3, 2026 · Not reviewed by a legal professional
Overview
USCIS groups family-based green cards into immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, for whom immigrant visas are unlimited, and family preference categories, which depend on visa availability and priority dates.
Two groups of family categories
USCIS defines immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen as the spouse, the unmarried child under 21, and a parent (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21). It states that immigrant visas for immediate relatives are unlimited, so a visa is always available to them.[1]
Other family relationships fall into the family preference categories. Unlike immediate relatives, applicants in these categories depend on visa availability. USCIS says an immigrant visa must be immediately available when the applicant files Form I-485 and when USCIS makes a final decision, and the priority date and the Visa Bulletin show whether that is the case.[2], [3]
The family preference categories
| Category | Who it covers |
|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of U.S. citizens |
| F2A | Spouses and children (unmarried and under 21) of lawful permanent residents |
| F2B | Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents |
| F3 | Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens |
| F4 | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older) |
A spouse of a lawful permanent resident is therefore in a different position from the spouse of a U.S. citizen: the first is in category F2A, which depends on visa availability, while the second is an immediate relative.[2], [1]
The usual first step
In family-based cases the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident usually starts by filing Form I-130, the petition that establishes the family relationship. USCIS notes that filing or approving the petition does not itself give the relative any immigration status or benefit, and that what comes next depends on visa availability and on whether the relative is in the United States or abroad.[4]
Guides in this topic
- Green Card Through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
How a spouse of a U.S. citizen can apply for a green card: the forms, inside-the-U.S. versus abroad, marriage evidence and conditional residence, per USCIS.
When to consider speaking with an immigration attorney
Immigration outcomes depend on individual facts that a general guide cannot see. Consider speaking with a licensed immigration attorney if your history includes prior denials, unlawful presence, criminal charges, a deadline you may have missed, or anything else you are unsure how the rules treat. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Sources checked
Official sources this page was written from, in order of authority. See our sources policy.
[1] Green Card for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizen
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated January 30, 2026
Supports: definition of immediate relatives; unlimited visas for immediate relatives
[2] Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated July 8, 2025
Supports: the five family preference categories
[3] Visa Availability and Priority Dates
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated January 24, 2025
Supports: priority dates and visa availability
[4] I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
USCIS · Official source · Checked October 3, 2026 · Source last updated July 24, 2026
Supports: the I-130 petition and what it does not do
Page history
- — Initial publication.
Written by the Vekyo Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy. Please also read the immigration disclaimer.