The Department of State just updated family sponsored preference categories for extended family members. The idea is that immediate family members such as parents, spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens can immigrate to the U.S. in a matter of months.

• Find updated dates for filing applications and priority dates here

However, the petitions for all other family members are intentionally slowed down to help prevent what is called “chain migration”. Chain migration is where a foreigner immigrates to the U.S. and then reaches back to the home country to immigrate the whole extended family. Yes, it is possible to bring family to the U.S., but immigration agencies will delay the filings for anyone not an immediate family member.

The chart below indicates the length of delay according to the relationship of the family member to the U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident green card holder.

The length of delay also varies, depending on the foreign country. Here is the list.

Family-Sponsored Preferences

1. [F1] Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Citizens
2. [F2] Spouses, Children & Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Resident green card holders
   • [F2A] Spouses and Children
   • [F2B] Unmarried Sons and Daughters who are 21 years of age or older
3. [F3] Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
4. [F4] Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens who are over the age of 21 years

NOTE: Numbers are available only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. Updated for MARCH 2022 Application Date.

Family-Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-Mainland Born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01DEC14	01DEC14	01DEC14	08SEP99	01MAR12
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	01SEP00	22OCT11
F3	22NOV08	22NOV08	22NOV08	15SEP97	08JUN02
F4	22MAR07	22MAR07	15SEP05	22APR99	22AUG02

Note also that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. For example, if your foreign brother is married, then the brother and his wife can both immigrate together.If you have a foreign family member for whom you would like to petition, please Contact Us for a fee quote.