US Family-preference immigrant visas (F1–F4)

Who it's for

The preference categories are for relatives who fall outside the "immediate relative" definition and therefore must wait for a visa number. Each category has a specific sponsor and relationship:

• F1 — unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of US citizens.
• F2A — spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.
• F2B — unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents.
• F3 — married sons and daughters of US citizens, of any age.
• F4 — brothers and sisters of US citizens, where the citizen is at least 21.

Eligibility

The petitioner must be able to prove a qualifying relationship and, in most cases, meet financial-sponsorship requirements. Applicants should note the following conditions.

• The sponsor must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, depending on the category.
• The qualifying family relationship must be documented (for example marriage, birth or adoption records).
• The petitioner must generally file a legally binding Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) showing income above the required threshold; a joint sponsor may be used if income is insufficient.
• Applicants must be admissible to the United States; certain immigration or criminal history can trigger a bar or require a waiver.

How to apply

The route runs in stages over what is often a multi-year timeline.

• The sponsor files Form I-130 with USCIS to establish the relationship and lock in a priority date.
• Wait for USCIS to approve the petition, then for the priority date to become current in the monthly Visa Bulletin.
• Once current, complete the immigrant visa application (Form DS-260) and submit the Affidavit of Support and supporting documents through the National Visa Center — or, if in the US and eligible, file Form I-485 to adjust status.
• Attend biometrics and the visa interview, and complete the required medical examination.

Caps, priority dates and the Visa Bulletin

Because preference visas are limited each year, demand usually exceeds supply and a queue forms. The priority date — the day USCIS received the I-130 — determines an applicant's place in line.

The Department of State publishes a Visa Bulletin every month showing which priority dates are current for each category and country of birth. Categories with heavy demand from a particular country can wait significantly longer because of per-country limits. An applicant can act only once their priority date is earlier than the date listed for their category.

Bringing family members

In the F1, F2B, F3 and F4 categories, the principal applicant's spouse and unmarried children under 21 can generally immigrate as derivative beneficiaries, receiving the same priority date. The F2A category is for a green-card holder's spouse and children directly. Rules such as the Child Status Protection Act can affect whether a child who turns 21 during the long wait still qualifies, so applicants should check their situation carefully.