About Family Preference Visas For Your Extended Family Members

Last updated on April 15, 2025

As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR or green card holder), you can petition to bring certain immediate family members to the U.S. as green card holders without regard to quotas. Your spouse, minor children and parents fall into this category. Extended family members, on the other hand, can apply with your sponsorship, but they will need to wait for the availability of visas. The necessary time frame can be many months or years as extended family members fall under specific preference categories with limited numbers of visas available each year. This often results in longer wait times for visa availability.

At ERM Immigration in Seattle, we work hard to find the most efficient pathways to immigration for our clients. A family preference visa may be a good option for you and your extended family member, or another pathway such as an educational or work visa, may be faster.

Varieties Of Family Preference Visas

As a U.S. citizen, you may be able to sponsor your family member for a green card in the U.S. on a visa such as the following:

• F1: Your unmarried son or daughter, age 21 and older
• F2A: Your spouse and/or children if you are a green card holder
• F2B: Your unmarried son or daughter, age 21 and older, if you are a green card holder
• F3: Your married sons and daughters if you are a U.S. citizen
• F4: Your brothers or sisters if you are a U.S. citizen age 21 or older

Spouses and unmarried children of applicants in any of these categories may apply as derivative applicants. A derivative applicant is a family member who can obtain immigration benefits through the principal applicant’s petition. In the context of family preference visas, spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of the principal applicant can apply as derivative applicants. This means that if the principal applicant is granted a visa, their eligible family members can also receive visas based on the same petition, allowing them to immigrate together.

These categories are subject to annual numerical limits, which means there can be significant wait times for visa availability, especially for certain categories such as F3 and F4. It’s important to consult with an immigration attorney or specialist to understand the best pathway for your specific situation. In general, applications higher on this list tend to go through more quickly than those lower on the list. Wait times vary from about a year and a half to up to 10 years.

No matter whether you are the intended applicant, or a U.S. citizen or LPR hoping to sponsor your family member, we are happy to advise you. If a family preference visa makes sense for you and your relatives, we are here to help facilitate your success in applying and monitoring the status of your application over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Preference Visas

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, especially when it involves bringing extended family members to the United States. This FAQ section addresses common questions about family preference visas, covering eligibility, application procedures and wait times. Explore the questions below to learn more about how we can assist you in reuniting with your family in the U.S.

Who is eligible to sponsor a family preference visa?

U.S. citizens and LPRs can sponsor specific family members for a family preference visa. U.S. citizens may petition for their unmarried adult children (21 or older), married children of any age and siblings. LPRs can sponsor their spouses and unmarried children, regardless of age. Each preference category has its own set of requirements and annual visa limits. It’s essential to understand these criteria to determine eligibility and the appropriate visa category for your family member.

Can green card holders sponsor their siblings for a visa?

No, green card holders (LPRs) cannot sponsor their siblings for a visa. Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old have the ability to petition for their brothers and sisters under the family preference visa categories. Green card holders are limited to sponsoring their spouses and unmarried children. If you are a green card holder wishing to sponsor a sibling, you would need to first obtain U.S. citizenship to be eligible to file such a petition.

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor their married children for a green card?

Yes, U.S. citizens can sponsor their married children for a green card. This falls under the third preference (F3) category of family preference visas. While there is no cap on the number of immediate relatives a U.S. citizen can sponsor, family preference categories, including those for married children, are subject to annual numerical limits. As a result, there may be a significant waiting period before a visa becomes available for the sponsored married child.

What is the difference between immediate family and extended family in terms of immigration?

In immigration terms, “immediate family” refers to close family members such as a U.S. citizen’s spouse, unmarried children under 21 and parents. Immediate family members are eligible for immigrant visas without numerical limitations, resulting in faster processing times. “Extended family,” on the other hand, includes relatives such as married children, adult children and siblings. These family members fall under family preference visa categories, which are subject to annual numerical limits and often involve longer wait times due to these restrictions.