Employment-based Green Cards Options

Family-based I-130 petitions through consular processing or adjustment of status the most common pathways to a green card:

• Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: Under this option only spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21 or older) are considered immediate relatives. Visas are immediately available in this category without any waiting time.
• Family Preference Categories: Under this option U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may petition for adult children or siblings and their spouses. Applicants in these categories must wait for a priority date to become current under the Visa Bulletin which is published monthly with the following designations.
  • F1 – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of U.S. citizens
  • F2A – Spouses and children (unmarried, under 21) of lawful permanent residents
  • F2B – Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents
  • F3 – Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
  • F4 – Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is at least 21)