What Are the Different Types of US Family-Based Immigrant Visas?

So, you’ve decided that you want to bring your loved ones to the United States and are exploring family-based immigrant visas. Whether it’s a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, there are multiple ways to unite your family in the US legally.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of family-based immigrant visas you can apply for, along with a guide on how they work and who qualifies. Family immigration is one of the most popular ways to get a green card, so let’s dive in and make sense of your options.

Immediate Relative Visas (IR Visas)

Immediate Relative Visas are for close family members of US citizens. The big advantage here is that there are no limits on how many visas can be issued each year, meaning the wait times are much shorter compared to other categories.

Here’s who qualifies for IR visas:

1. IR-1: Spouse of a US citizen.
2. IR-2: Unmarried child under 21 of a US citizen.
3. IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a US citizen.
4. IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the US by a US citizen.
5. IR-5: Parent of a US citizen who is at least 21 years old.

Because these visas are for immediate relatives, you don’t have to wait for priority dates like you do with other family-based visas. This makes the IR visa category the fastest path for close relatives of US citizens to obtain a green card.

Tip: If you’re a US citizen and want to bring over your spouse or parent, the IR visa category is your best bet due to its short wait times.

Family Preference Visas (F Visas)

Now, if your family member isn’t an immediate relative (like a sibling or married child), you’ll fall under the Family Preference visa category. These visas are available for both US citizens and permanent residents (green card holders), but there are annual limits on how many are issued. This means wait times can be long, especially for certain countries like India, where demand is high.

Here’s a breakdown of the Family Preference categories:

1. F1 (First Preference): Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens, over 21.
2. F2A (Second Preference): Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders.
3. F2B (Second Preference): Unmarried sons and daughters (over 21) of green card holders.
4. F3 (Third Preference): Married sons and daughters of US citizens.
5. F4 (Fourth Preference): Siblings of US citizens, as long as the citizen is over 21.

Each of these categories has an annual cap, which leads to longer wait times depending on the preference category and country of origin. For example, F4 visas for siblings can take over a decade due to backlogs!

Tip: If you’re applying for an F visa, keep in mind that priority dates and annual limits mean you’ll likely face a long wait.

Immediate Relatives vs. Family Preference: What’s the Difference?

You might be wondering—what’s the major difference between immediate relatives and family preference visas?

The key difference is in the wait times. Immediate relatives of US citizens get priority processing because there’s no cap on the number of visas issued each year. In contrast, family preference visas are limited by annual quotas, which means longer processing times.

If you’re in the F4 category (siblings), you could be waiting several years—or even decades—depending on the demand.

How Does the Petition Process Work?

No matter which visa category you’re applying for, the process starts the same way—with your sponsor (the US citizen or green card holder) filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS. This form essentially tells the US government, “Hey, I want to bring my family member to the US!”

Once the I-130 petition is approved, the next step depends on whether your relative is already in the US or still abroad:

• If they’re in the US, they’ll need to file for an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485).
• If they’re abroad, the case will move to consular processing, where they’ll attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate in their home country.

For family preference categories, once your I-130 is approved, your relative will need to wait for their priority date to become current before moving forward with the visa process. This is where those long wait times come into play.

Tip: Make sure your Form I-130 is complete and accurate, as errors can delay your family member’s application.

What About Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents)?

If you’re a green card holder, you can still petition for certain family members to join you in the US. The key difference is that green card holders can’t sponsor as many types of relatives as US citizens can.

Here’s who green card holders can sponsor:

• Spouses (F2A)
• Unmarried children under 21 (F2A)
• Unmarried sons and daughters over 21 (F2B)

If you’re a green card holder and want to sponsor your family, just keep in mind that processing times for these visas may be longer than for US citizens.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Path for Your Family

When it comes to bringing your family to the US, the type of family-based visa you apply for will depend on your relationship to the US citizen or green card holder. For immediate relatives of US citizens, the process is fast and straightforward, while those in the family preference categories may face long wait times due to annual quotas.

Whether you’re applying for an IR-1 visa for your spouse or navigating the long wait for an F4 sibling visa, it’s important to know the requirements and prepare for potential delays.

For more detailed information and the most up-to-date processing times, always check the official USCIS website.