The Family Preference Categories Explained

Not all family members qualify as “immediate relatives” under U.S. immigration law. Many fall into family preference categories, which are subject to annual visa limits and backlogs. These cases take longer, but they are still important because filing early secures a priority date and preserves future options.

For families planning ahead, a family preference petition can be a smart, low-cost move—even if your loved one isn’t certain that they will want to immigrate when eligible. Think of it as a “placeholder”: once you file, the priority date is locked in, protecting your family’s place in line. It’s far better to get on the list now and later decide you don’t need it, than to wait until you do need it but haven’t reserved a spot in the visa line.

Bring the whole family together in the United States.

The Four Family Preference Categories

Family preference categories are divided into four main groups:

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

• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents (green card holders)

• F2B: Unmarried adult 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 citizen is at least 21)

Why Backlogs Happen

Unlike immediate relative cases, these categories are limited by annual visa quotas. Each year, only a set number of green cards are available for each group. When demand is higher than supply—which is almost always the case—backlogs build up.

This means families may wait years, sometimes more than a decade, before a visa becomes available. The exact timing depends on the category and the relative’s country of origin, since some countries have higher demand. For more specific information about these backlogs, check the official Visa Bulletin.

Why Filing Early Matters

A priority date holds your spot in line, the Visa Bulletin is updated monthly and frequently fluctuates with politics and the economy. Keep your options open and reserve your spot sooner than later.

Even with long wait times, filing as soon as possible is crucial. Submitting a petition now secures your relative’s place in line. Think of it like reserving a spot—waiting to file only delays the process even more. The current backlogs range from about one and a half years (for spouses and children of permanent residents) to upwards of twenty to twenty-five years (for siblings). However, for someone applying now these are only rough estimates, these times can increase or even decrease depending on the number of applications every year, the number of people claiming their immigrant visa when their priority date comes up, and potential changes in immigration laws or policies.

Another benefit is that these petitions often involve easy-to-prove relationships (siblings, adult children). Attorney fees are usually lower for these straightforward filings, making them an affordable way to keep future options open.

Also keep in mind that immigration laws are subject to change, especially during the long period of some visa backlogs. When laws change, you typically preserve your rights and benefit you were entitled to at the time of filing, but sometimes those changes can give you extra benefits or decrease the time you must wait.

Tracking Progress: The Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin showing which petitions are being processed for each category and country. While it may look confusing at first, it’s the key to understanding where your family’s case stands.

An immigration attorney can help interpret the Visa Bulletin and explain how it applies to your petition.

How an Immigration Attorney Helps

Preference category petitions can stretch over years, which makes it important to get them right from the start. An attorney will:

• File complete, accurate petitions that avoid delays

• Monitor the Visa Bulletin and provide updates

• Advise on next steps when your relative’s priority date becomes current

• Help with consular processing or adjustment of status when the time comes

Connect your family together in the United States through the family preference category.

Planning Ahead for Your Family’s Future

Even if your loved one has stability abroad today, circumstances can change quickly. Filing a family preference petition now is a strategic way to preserve their opportunity to come to the U.S. in the future.

Don’t wait to secure your family’s future—call Quesnel Law today and speak with an experienced immigration attorney.