The Family Preference System is a component of the United States immigration system that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States. This system is a way to reunite families by allowing eligible U.S. citizens and green card holders to petition for their relatives to obtain lawful permanent residence (green cards) and join them in the United States.
The Family Preference System is divided into several family-sponsored preference categories, which include:
- F1 – Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F2A – Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders
- F2B – Unmarried adult sons and daughters of green card holders
- F3 – Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4 – Siblings of adult U.S. citizens
These preference categories have annual quotas, which means that there are limits on the number of visas that can be issued to individuals in each category each year. This often results in waiting periods for family members seeking to immigrate to the United States, particularly in categories with high demand.
U.S. citizens and green card holders must file an immigrant petition on behalf of their eligible family members to initiate the immigration process. The waiting time for a visa to become available can vary significantly depending on the category and the relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Some immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21, are not subject to numerical limits and typically have shorter waiting periods.
F2A – Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of green card holders
The F2A category is a specific family preference category within the U.S. immigration system that allows the spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to immigrate to the United States. Here’s some additional information about the F2A category:
- Who Can Petition: A green card holder can sponsor their spouse and their unmarried children under 21 years of age in this category. This means that if you are a green card holder, you can file a family-based immigrant petition (Form I-130) to help your immediate family members (spouse and children) obtain green cards and join you in the United States.
- Quotas: The F2A category has a limited number of visas available each year. This means that there may be waiting periods for visa availability, especially if the demand for these visas is high. The waiting time can vary based on the country of origin of the family members seeking to immigrate.
- Preference Category: The F2A category is considered a “family preference” category. This means that while immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21) are not subject to numerical limits and typically have shorter waiting times, family preference categories like F2A are subject to annual quotas, and waiting times can be longer.
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Once a visa becomes available, family members in the F2A category can either apply for adjustment of status if they are already in the United States or go through consular processing if they are outside the United States. Adjustment of status is for individuals who are already in the U.S. and eligible to apply for a green card without leaving the country. Consular processing involves attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
F2B – Unmarried adult sons and daughters of green card holders
The F2B category is another family preference category within the U.S. immigration system. It is designed for the unmarried adult sons and daughters (age 21 and older) of lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Here are some key points about the F2B category:
- Who Can Petition: Green card holders (permanent residents) can sponsor their unmarried adult sons and daughters (age 21 and older) in the F2B category. This means that if you are a green card holder, you can file a family-based immigrant petition (Form I-130) to help your adult, unmarried children obtain green cards and join you in the United States.
- Quotas: The F2B category also has a limited number of visas available each year. This means that there may be waiting periods for visa availability, particularly if there is a high demand for these visas from applicants in this category. The waiting time can vary based on the country of origin of the family members seeking to immigrate.
- Preference Category: As with other family preference categories, the F2B category is subject to annual quotas, and waiting times can vary depending on the demand. This category is not as high-priority as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and typically has longer waiting times.
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Once a visa becomes available, family members in the F2B category can either apply for adjustment of status if they are already in the United States or go through consular processing if they are outside the United States. The choice between these options depends on the individual’s current location and immigration status.
