At a glance
Some relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for a green card through the family preference categories. These include adult children and siblings of citizens, and spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents. The exact family relationship determines the category.
- Eligible relatives
- Citizens may sponsor adult children or siblings; permanent residents may sponsor a spouse or unmarried children, under the applicable category
- Support and visa availability
- Proof of the relationship, an available visa number, and required sponsor financial support and immigration checks
- While waiting
- I-130 approval alone gives no lawful status, work permission, travel permission, or right to file I-485
Summary
U.S. citizens can sponsor adult children, married children, and siblings, while lawful permanent residents can sponsor spouses and unmarried children. These family preference categories are numerically limited, so the relationship and wait time both matter.
Each category has a limited number of visas. Even after the family sponsorship application is approved, the person may need to wait years before completing the green-card process.
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Find the correct family category Check the sponsor's status and the applicant's relationship, age, and marital status.
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File the family application Submit Form I-130 and keep the receipt, records, and priority date showing the place in the queue.
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Monitor the queue and any family changes Check the Visa Bulletin and review the category or child age protections when circumstances change.
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Complete the green-card process When allowed, apply inside the U.S. or for an immigrant visa abroad, with the required entry and financial support evidence.
An approved family application does not give stay, work, or travel permission, or allow early green-card filing. Marriage, age, or a sponsor becoming a citizen can change the category. Visa availability and restrictions on issuing visas are separate.
Eligibility
The sponsoring relative must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who can sponsor someone in the relevant category:
- F1: unmarried sons and daughters age 21 or older of U.S. citizens.
- F2A: spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents.
- F2B: unmarried sons and daughters age 21 or older of permanent residents.
- F3: married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- F4: siblings of U.S. citizens who are at least 21.
You must prove the legal family relationship. Changes in age or marital status can affect eligibility or move the application to another category. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may protect some children from losing eligibility as they grow older.
When a visa number becomes available, the applicant must:
- Meet U.S. entry and immigration requirements or qualify for any necessary exception, called a waiver;
- Complete the visa process abroad or independently qualify to apply for a green card inside the U.S. (adjustment of status);
- Have Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, a legally binding financial support commitment, unless an exception applies; and
- Still meet the required family relationship and other rules, including any rules for accompanying family members.
The priority date normally comes from the date the family sponsorship application was properly filed. It determines the person's place in the queue. The monthly Visa Bulletin shows which dates can move forward, based on the family category and the country counted under the visa quota, usually the applicant's country of birth.
What This Route Allows
When all steps are approved, the applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 of the main applicant can often immigrate with or after that applicant, subject to CSPA and relationship rules.
Some applications automatically move to another category when the sponsor becomes a U.S. citizen or the applicant's marital status changes. This can shorten or lengthen the wait, depending on the category and country.
What This Route Is Not
An approved I-130 does not give lawful status, protect against removal, authorize work or travel, or let a person file Form I-485 before the applicable chart permits it. Remaining in the United States without status while waiting can make adjustment impossible and departure risky.
As of January 1, 2026, nationality-based immigrant-visa suspensions cover many countries and can prevent someone from getting a visa abroad even when their place in the queue has been reached. The rules contain limited exceptions and do not automatically revoke visas issued before the effective time.
Next Steps
- Identify the family category and the country used for the visa quota, usually the applicant’s country of birth.
- Preserve the I-130 receipt and priority date and monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin.
- Check the category and any child age protections after a sponsor becomes a citizen, or after a marriage, divorce, death, or relevant birthday.
- Before applying inside the U.S. or leaving the country, review immigration status, any unlawful stay, past removal proceedings, and whether an exception is needed.
- Prepare civil documents and financial sponsorship evidence well before the priority date becomes current.
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