Family Based
Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants
If you are a relative of a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), you
may be eligible to apply for a Green Card under a family preference category.
Unlike "immediate relatives," these classifications are subject to annual
numerical limits. Understanding these priority levels is the first step toward
securing permanent residency for your family members.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To qualify for a Green Card under the family preference categories, you must be the
beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition and fall into one of the following
specific classifications:
- First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters, 21 years of age or older, of U.S. citizens.
- Second Preference (F2A): Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of Lawful Permanent Residents.
- Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried sons and daughters, 21 years of age or older, of Lawful Permanent Residents.
- Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (the citizen must be at least 21 years of age).