The U.S. offers family-based visas to allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to bring their family members to live in the United States. These visas fall into two main categories: immediate relative visas and family preference visas. The type of visa depends on the relationship between the petitioner and the family member seeking the visa.
Immediate relative visas
Immediate relative visas are for the closest family members of U.S. citizens and have no annual cap on the number issued. This category includes:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens: If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for an immediate relative visa to join your spouse in the U.S.
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens: U.S. citizens can petition for their unmarried children who are under the age of 21.
- Parents of U.S. citizens: A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can petition for their parents to receive a visa.
This category provides a quicker, more straightforward process for bringing close family members to the U.S.
First preference (F1)
An F1 category allows unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens to apply for a visa. Applicants may face long wait times due to the limited number of visas available in this category.
Second preference (F2A and F2B)
The F2A visa is for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents. This category typically has shorter wait times compared to other preference categories.
An F2B visa applies to unmarried adult children (21 and older) of lawful permanent residents. Like the F1 category, the wait times can be lengthy.
Third preference (F3)
The F3 visa is for married children of U.S. citizens, regardless of age. Applicants in this category face long wait times due to high demand.
K visas (Fiancé and spouse)
Additionally, the U.S. offers K visas for certain relationships, such as a fiancé. A K-1 visa (fiancé(e) visa) allows a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. and marry within 90 days.
Additionally, a K-3 visa allows foreign spouses of U.S. citizens to enter the U.S. while awaiting immigrant visa processing.
Family-based visas provide U.S. citizens and LPRs with the opportunity to reunite with their family members. These visas vary based on the relationship to the petitioner, with immediate relative visas offering quicker processing times and family preference visas having annual caps and longer wait times.
