Green card eligibility categories.
Family-based green cards fall into two broad groups. Which one you're in determines whether there's a wait — and how long.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
These cases are not subject to annual numerical limits, so there's no "line" to wait in for a visa number. Immediate relatives are:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens (the citizen must be 21 or older)
Family-preference categories
These categories are subject to annual limits, so a priority date governs when a visa number becomes available. Wait times vary by category and country of birth:
- F1 — Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
- F2A — Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents
- F2B — Unmarried adult children of lawful permanent residents
- F3 — Married children of U.S. citizens
- F4 — Siblings of U.S. citizens (the citizen must be 21 or older)
The monthly DOS Visa Bulletin shows how priority dates are moving in each category.
How we help
We confirm which category fits your relationship, identify the fastest available path, and flag any issues — prior immigration history, criminal records, or inadmissibility concerns — before you file. For the official overview, see USCIS green card eligibility.
Not sure which category you're in?
Free consultation with a U.S. immigration attorney.