Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants in the USA
Getting a Green Card in the USA is one of the most important steps toward permanent residency, and for many families, the Family Preference Green Card pathway is the right option. While immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as spouses, minor children, and parents) have their own fast-track process, other relatives fall under the family preference immigrant visa categories. These categories allow lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens to bring their close family members to the United States through the USCIS family preference system.
The Green Card for family preference immigrants is available through five main categories: unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens (F1), spouses and children of lawful permanent residents (F2A), unmarried adult children of lawful permanent residents (F2B), married children of U.S. citizens (F3), and brothers or sisters of U.S. citizens (F4). Each preference category is subject to visa bulletin updates and annual limits, which means wait times vary depending on demand and your country of origin.
Family Preference Green Card Categories
| Preference Category | Who Qualifies | Petition Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| F1 – First Preference | Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of U.S. citizens | Requires Form I-130 filed by U.S. citizen |
| F2A – Second Preference | Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents | Requires Form I-130 filed by Green Card holder |
| F2B – Second Preference | Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents | Requires Form I-130 |
| F3 – Third Preference | Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens | Requires Form I-130 |
| F4 – Fourth Preference | Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21+) | Requires Form I-130 |
These categories define how quickly an immigrant visa becomes available. Applicants must follow the visa bulletin from the Department of State to track priority dates and confirm when they are eligible to file for adjustment of status (Form I-485).
Eligibility for Adjustment of Status in the USA
If you are already living in the United States, you may be able to apply for your Green Card through adjustment of status. To qualify under the family preference immigrant visa system, you must:
- Properly file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with USCIS.
- Have entered the U.S. legally, either inspected and admitted or paroled.
- Be physically present in the U.S. when applying.
- Have an immigrant visa number available in the visa bulletin at the time of filing and at final approval.
- Continue to maintain your family relationship with the sponsoring relative who filed Form I-130.
- Be admissible to the United States under INA Section 212(a) or qualify for a waiver.
If you entered without inspection or are subject to certain immigration violations, you may still qualify under INA 245(i) by filing Form I-485 Supplement A with additional fees.
Required Documents for Family Preference Green Card
When applying for a Green Card under a family preference category, you must submit a full application package. Key documents include Form I-485, a copy of your approved or pending Form I-130, identity proof, birth certificate, passport pages, Form I-94, and, if required, Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). Applicants must also include Form I-693 (Medical Examination) and any required waivers such as Form I-601 or Form I-212 if grounds of inadmissibility apply.
ALSO MORE: Best 0% APR Credit Cards in the USA for 2025
Spouses and children of the main applicant can apply as derivative beneficiaries by submitting their own Form I-485 along with evidence of their relationship to the principal applicant.
Employment Authorization and Travel While Pending
While your Form I-485 adjustment of status is pending, you may apply for employment authorization (Form I-765), allowing you to legally work in the U.S. You may also request advance parole (Form I-131) if you need to travel abroad. Without advance parole, leaving the United States will result in your Green Card application being abandoned.
Why the Family Preference Green Card Matters
The Green Card for family preference immigrantssñ gives lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens the opportunity to reunite with loved ones in America. Because demand for these visas often exceeds supply, applicants must carefully follow visa bulletin updates, maintain eligibility, and provide complete documentation to avoid delays.
By properly filing Form I-130 and Form I-485, monitoring USCIS immigration updates, and submitting all supporting documents, applicants can successfully navigate the family preference immigrant visa process and move one step closer to becoming a lawful permanent resident in the United States.