Family-based immigration overview — F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4 categories
Complete overview of family-based immigration to US. Immediate Relative (IR) vs Preference (F) categories, current wait times by country, processing steps, derivative beneficiaries.
Family-based immigration is one of the primary paths to US green card. Roughly 65% of green cards issued each year go to family-based immigrants.
Two main categories
Immediate Relative (IR) — No wait, no quota
- IR-1: Spouse of US Citizen
- IR-2: Unmarried Children under 21 of USC
- IR-3, IR-4: Adopted children of USC
- IR-5: Parents of USC (USC must be 21+)
No annual cap. No wait list. Processing time = USCIS adjudication time only (~10-18 months).
Family Preference (F) — Annual caps, waitlists
- F1: Unmarried adult (21+) children of US Citizens
- F2A: Spouses + Unmarried children under 21 of LPRs (Green Card holders)
- F2B: Unmarried adult (21+) children of LPRs
- F3: Married children of USCs (any age)
- F4: Siblings of USCs (USC must be 21+)
Annual caps cause WAITLISTS. Country of birth matters. Wait varies from 1 year to 25 years.
Current waits (typical 2024)
| Category | Mexico | China | India | Philippines | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IR (USC family) | 0 months | 0 months | 0 months | 0 months | 0 months |
| F1 | 18 years | 8 years | 8 years | 13 years | 8 years |
| F2A | 1-2 years | 1-2 years | 1-2 years | 1-2 years | 1-2 years |
| F2B | 18 years | 8 years | 8 years | 13 years | 8 years |
| F3 | 22 years | 13 years | 13 years | 22 years | 13 years |
| F4 | 22 years | 16 years | 16 years | 22 years | 16 years |
(Approximate. Check current Visa Bulletin.)
The two-step process
Step 1: I-130 Petition (filed by sponsor)
- Sponsor (USC or LPR) files Form I-130 for relative
- Fee: $675
- Establishes legitimacy of family relationship
- Wait time: 6-18 months for adjudication
Step 2: Beneficiary applies for green card
Depends on:
- Beneficiary location: in US or abroad
- Visa category: IR vs F
If beneficiary in US legally:
- Adjustment of Status (AOS) via Form I-485 — when visa available
- Stay in US during processing
If beneficiary abroad:
- Consular Processing (CP) via NVC (National Visa Center) + interview at US consulate
- Process at US embassy in home country
Priority Date system
For F-categories with quotas:
- Priority Date: date the I-130 was filed
- Beneficiary must wait until their Priority Date becomes “current” per monthly Visa Bulletin
- Wait time = (current Visa Bulletin date) - (Priority Date)
Check current Visa Bulletin: travel.state.gov/visabulletin
Special considerations
Aging out (Children’s Status Protection Act - CSPA)
Children may age out at 21, falling from preferred categories. CSPA provides protection:
- Subtract from current age = time petition was pending
- Lock in the younger age for visa eligibility
Marriage age considerations
- Married children of USC: F3 category (slower than F1 unmarried)
- Marriage AFTER petition filed: may convert to F1 or F3
- Annulment: may reset Priority Date
Country of birth matters
- Mexico, China, India, Philippines have HIGH waits
- Mexican applicants: Most affected
- “Spouse” follow-to-join is fast even from chargeable countries
What sponsors need to provide
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
- Sponsor must demonstrate ability to financially support beneficiary at 125% of poverty line
- Lasts until beneficiary naturalizes or 40 work quarters earned
Proof of relationship
- Marriage certificate (spouse)
- Birth certificate (parent/child)
- DNA evidence (if challenged)
Sponsor’s USC/LPR proof
- Birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, green card
Common errors
- Not maintaining contact information with NVC during processing
- Letting affidavit of support lapse
- Marriage fraud — most serious offense, automatic denial
- Missing the consular interview without rescheduling
- Inadequate financial sponsor — many petitions denied here
Important: K-1 fiancé visa alternative
If you intend to marry but aren’t married yet:
- K-1 visa (fiancé visa) is faster (9-15 months) than family-based after marriage
- See: I-129F path detail
Resources
- USCIS Family: uscis.gov/family
- Visa Bulletin: travel.state.gov/visabulletin
- CLINIC: cliniclegal.org — pro bono assistance
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
← See all paths to legal status
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
General procedural information based on official sources. Not personalized legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an attorney for this path?
How much does this path cost?
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.