Family Preference Categories Guide: F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4 | Chicago Attorney 2026

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Family Preference Categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4)

If you are sponsoring a family member for a green card, you may hear terms like F1, F2A, or F4.
These are family preference categories. They matter because they can control how long the wait is.

Quick tip:
If your relative is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (like a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21),
they are usually not in a preference category.
Start here: Family-Based Visas hub •
Marriage cases: Marriage Green Card guide

Immediate relatives vs preference categories

Immediate relatives (not preference)

  • Spouse of a U.S. citizen
  • Unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen
  • Parent of a U.S. citizen (petitioner must be 21+)

Immediate relatives typically are not limited by the yearly “preference” visa caps. They still have steps and processing time,
but they usually do not wait for a preference category to become current.

Official resources:
USCIS: immediate relatives •
State Dept: family immigration

Family preference categories (F1–F4)

Preference categories have yearly limits. That means there is usually a wait. Your wait depends on:

  • Your category (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, or F4)
  • Your priority date (your “line” date)
  • Your country of chargeability (often your country of birth)

Official resource:
USCIS: family preference immigrants

Preference category table (F1–F4)

Use this table to identify the basic category. Some cases have details that change the result.
If you are not sure, contact us for a consultation and can confirm the category and spot issues early.

Code Who the petitioner is Who can be sponsored
F1 U.S. citizen Unmarried son or daughter age 21+
F2A Green card holder (LPR) Spouse and unmarried child under 21
F2B Green card holder (LPR) Unmarried son or daughter age 21+
F3 U.S. citizen Married son or daughter (any age)
F4 U.S. citizen Brother or sister (petitioner must be 21+)
Important:
“Child” and “son/daughter” have specific meanings in immigration law. “Age 21” is a key line.
Also, marriage can move a person from one category to another.

How to find your category (simple checklist)

  1. Is the petitioner a U.S. citizen or a green card holder?
  2. What is the relationship (spouse, child, parent, sibling, adult son/daughter)?
  3. If it is a child/son/daughter: are they under 21 or 21+?
  4. Are they married or unmarried?
  5. Then plan the next steps: consular processing vs AOS.

Where do I see the category in real life?

The category is tied to the Form I-130 (the family petition). Start here:
Form I-130 guide.

Official form page:
USCIS: I-130

Priority date: your place in line

For preference categories, the government uses a priority date to track your place in line.
In many cases, the priority date is the date USCIS receives a properly filed petition.

Keep a copy:
Save your receipt notice. It usually shows your priority date. This date is critical for the Visa Bulletin step.

How the Visa Bulletin controls the wait

The Visa Bulletin is published by the U.S. Department of State. It shows visa availability for each category and country.
Preference category cases often cannot be approved until the priority date is “current.”

Two charts you will see

  • Final Action Dates (when a visa/green card can be approved)
  • Dates for Filing (when you may be allowed to file certain steps earlier)

For a step-by-step walkthrough, read:
Visa Bulletin guide.

Official Visa Bulletin:
travel.state.gov Visa Bulletin

People filing inside the U.S. should also review USCIS guidance on which Visa Bulletin chart applies to adjustment filings:
USCIS: AOS filing charts

Consular processing vs adjustment of status (AOS)

After the I-130 is approved, the next steps depend on where your relative is located and whether they can apply inside the U.S.

  • Consular processing means applying through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
    Learn the steps: Consular processing guide.
  • Adjustment of status (AOS) means applying inside the U.S. (if eligible).
    Learn the steps: Family-based AOS guide.
Not sure which applies?
Start with: Consular processing vs AOS.

Common issues that change the category or the wait

1) Turning 21 while waiting

Turning 21 can change a person from “child” to “son/daughter,” which can change the category and the wait.
In some cases, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may help. Each case is fact-specific.

Official resource:
USCIS: CSPA

2) Marriage can move the case to a new category

Marriage can change the category. For example, an “unmarried son or daughter” category may no longer apply after marriage.
This can change timing and next steps.

3) Country of chargeability can affect wait times

The Visa Bulletin is divided by category and country. The “country” is often based on the person’s place of birth.
That can affect the wait, even for the same category.

Want help confirming the category and building the plan?

A small category mistake can cause delays. We can confirm the category, explain the Visa Bulletin step,
and map the best eligible path (consular processing or AOS).

If your case is marriage-based, start here:
Marriage Green Card guide.

FAQ

What is a family preference category?

It is a family green card category with yearly limits. Because of those limits, people often wait for their priority date to become current in the Visa Bulletin.

Are spouses of U.S. citizens in a preference category?

Usually, no. Spouses of U.S. citizens are typically “immediate relatives.” If you are applying through marriage, see:
Marriage Green Card guide.

What is the difference between F2A and F2B?

F2A is for the spouse and unmarried child under 21 of a green card holder. F2B is for an unmarried son or daughter age 21 or older of a green card holder.

What is a priority date?

It is usually the date USCIS receives a properly filed I-130. It acts like your place in line for preference categories.

What if my child turns 21 while waiting?

Turning 21 can change the category. Sometimes CSPA may help, but the details matter. Official overview:
USCIS CSPA.

Where can I find the official Visa Bulletin?

The Department of State publishes it here:
The Visa Bulletin.
For a simple walkthrough, see:
our Visa Bulletin guide.

Next pages in this cluster:
Visa Bulletin guide •
Consular vs AOS •
I-130 guide •
I-864 guide

Need immigration assistance? Contact us now.

Free case evaluation
Related Family-Based Visa Pages
Family-Based Visas (Start Here)
Overview + links to all guides
Immediate Relatives (Who Qualifies)
Spouse/parent/child rules in plain English
Preference Categories (F1–F4, F2A/F2B)
Find your category and what it means
Visa Bulletin Guide
Priority dates, charts, and wait times
Form I-130 Guide
Petition basics and common issues
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
Income, sponsors, and support rules
Document Checklist
What to gather before you file
Consular Processing Steps
NVC to interview: what happens next
Adjustment of Status (Family-Based)
How to apply inside the U.S. (if eligible)
Interview Prep
How to prepare and what to bring
RFEs and NOIDs
How to respond and avoid delays
If your case is marriage-based, start here:
Marriage Green Card guide.

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    Last Updated on February 8, 2026 by JR
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