Family-Based Immigration
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain relatives for green cards. Each preference category has specific eligibility requirements and varying wait times based on the relationship and country of chargeability.
Family Visa Categories
Select a category to view current priority dates and track your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is family-based immigration?
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members for immigrant visas. Immediate relatives of citizens have no wait times, while preference categories have annual limits.
Who can sponsor family members for green cards?
U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children (unmarried and married), parents, and siblings. Permanent residents can only sponsor spouses and unmarried children. The sponsor must be at least 21 years old to petition for parents or siblings.
What is the difference between immediate relatives and preference categories?
Immediate relatives (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of adult U.S. citizens) have no annual limits and no wait times. Preference categories (F1-F4) have annual limits of approximately 226,000 visas, creating backlogs.
Why are some country backlogs so long?
Per-country limits cap each country at 7% of total family preference visas. High demand from countries like Mexico, Philippines, India, and China, combined with these limits, creates multi-year or multi-decade backlogs.
What is a priority date?
Your priority date is typically when USCIS received your Form I-130 petition. This date determines your place in line. When the visa bulletin shows a cutoff date on or after your priority date, your case is 'current' and you can proceed.
What is cross-chargeability?
Cross-chargeability allows you to use your spouse's country of birth if it has a shorter wait time. For example, if you're from the Philippines but married to someone born in Canada, you may charge your case to Canada's (shorter) queue.
Can I file for adjustment of status while waiting?
If your priority date is current and you're in the U.S., you can file Form I-485 (adjustment of status) concurrently with or after your I-130. This allows you to get work authorization and travel documents while waiting for the green card.