Family is at the heart of the U.S. immigration system, and family sponsored green card is a common pathway for immigrants who want to obtain their permanent residence. If you're related to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident but don’t fall under the immediate relative category, the family preference system is likely your route to permanent residency.
At ImmigrationQuestion.com, we aim to simplify this process, helping you stay informed, prepared for your family-based green card application, green card for family and the family-based immigration process.
The Family Preference Green Card allows certain relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to apply for permanent residency. Unlike immediate family members USCIS considers (spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens), family preference immigrants are placed in different categories, with visa availability based on annual quotas. This means there might be waiting periods depending on the category and country of origin.
Planning on obtaining your green card for your family? Here's a breakdown of the Family Preference categories;
This category is for unmarried adult children (21 or older) of U.S. citizens. As long as you remain unmarried, you can qualify for this Green Card. While the wait time varies depending on the country of origin, it is generally shorter than for other family preference categories. It has stronger priority than other preference categories due to being the child of a U.S. citizen and immigrants are eligible to bring minor children to the U.S. once application is approved.
If you are an unmarried adult (21 or older) child of a lawful permanent resident, you qualify under the F2B category. This category often experiences longer wait times, but it remains a vital option for those with strong family ties to LPRs. Once approved, you can live and work permanently in the U.S. You can also bring your own minor children once your Green Card is secured.
If you are married to a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or you're an unmarried child (under 21) of an LPR, this is your category. Processing times are generally shorter compared to other categories, due to their closer relationship with a Green Card holder. This is a relatively fast pathway to reunite with your LPR spouse or parent. Green Card holders can sponsor their families even before obtaining U.S. citizenship.
If you are a married adult child of a U.S. citizen, you fall under the F3 category. While this category may bring your spouse and children with you, the wait times are often longer when compared to F1 or F2A categories. In this category, the entire family (spouse and children) can apply for Green Cards together. Once granted, they have the same permanent residency rights as other family-based immigrants.
Brothers and Sisters of U.S. citizens (who are at least 21 years old) can apply under the F4 category. This category typically has the longest wait times, but is a precious and crucial option for keeping families united across borders. Just like other Green Card categories, this category allows you to bring your spouse and children along with you. After receiving your Green Card, you can pursue U.S. citizenship and sponsor more family members.
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