Immediate relatives are the closest family members of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents), and they are not subject to annual visa caps, allowing for quicker processing. Preference relatives include more distant family members of both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Their visas are subject to annual limits, which can lead to long waiting times. The eligible family members are:
For U.S. citizens:
- First Preference (F1): Unmarried children (21 or older).
- Second Preference (F3): Married children of U.S. citizens.
- Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of U.S. citizens (U.S. citizen must be at least 21 years old).
For lawful permanent residents (green card holders):
- Second Preference (F2A): Spouses and children (under 21).
- Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried children (21 or older).