Who Can Apply
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for certain relatives to receive green cards. How long it takes depends on who is filing and for whom.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of citizens who are at least 21) are not subject to annual visa limits, so they don't wait in line for a visa number. Other relatives fall into family preference categories with annual limits and waiting periods, which change every month in the State Department's Visa Bulletin.
We help families choose between applying from inside the U.S. (adjustment of status) and through a U.S. consulate abroad, prepare the petition and supporting evidence, and get ready for the interview. Learn more about Marriage-Based Green Cards and K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas.
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Immediate Family of U.S. Citizens are permitted to become Permanent Lawful Residents if they are:
The spouse of a U.S. citizen;
The unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen; or
The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older)
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First preference (F1) - unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens.
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F-2A preference is for spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents.
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F-2B preference is for unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents.
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F-3 preference is for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
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F-4 preference is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old, along with their spouses and minor children. Green card holders cannot petition for siblings.
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A K-1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring a foreign fiancé(e) to the United States to marry within 90 days of arrival. See our K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas page for details.