---
title: "Family-based green cards: what are the categories, and who can petition for whom?"
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/immigration/family-based-green-card-categories
jurisdiction: "US Federal"
last_verified: 2026-08-20
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# Family-based green cards: what are the categories, and who can petition for whom?

As of July 2025, family-based green cards fall into two main groups: immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, unmarried child under 21, and parent) and five family preference categories (F1–F4 and F2A/F2B). Immediate relative visas have no numerical limit, while preference visas are capped annually. A U.S. citizen can petition for a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or married son/daughter; a lawful permanent resident can petition for a spouse and unmarried child (F2A) or unmarried son/daughter age 21+ (F2B).

## Details / How it works

Family-based immigrant visas allow certain relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to obtain a Green Card. The process begins when a U.S. citizen or LPR files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of the beneficiary. If the petitioner naturalizes before a decision is made, the visa classification can be updated to an immediate relative category.

**Immediate relatives** (spouse, unmarried child under 21, and parent of a U.S. citizen) have no annual visa cap and can often file Form I-485 concurrently with the I-130. Other family members fall under numerically limited family preference categories.

## Numbers & thresholds

The following table summarizes the family preference categories as defined in USCIS guidance (as of July 2025):

| Category | Description | Petitioner | Beneficiary | Numerical Limit |
|----------|-------------|------------|-------------|-----------------|
| F1 | Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens | U.S. citizen | Unmarried adult child | Yes |
| F2A | Spouses and children (under 21) of LPRs | LPR | Spouse or minor child | Yes |
| F2B | Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of LPRs | LPR | Unmarried adult child | Yes |
| F3 | Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens | U.S. citizen | Married child | Yes |
| F4 | Brothers/sisters of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be 21+) | U.S. citizen | Sibling | Yes |

Family‑sponsored preference immigrants are allocated visas under INA 203(a) with an annual cap of 226,000 visas.

## Exceptions & edge cases

**Immediate relatives** are exempt from numerical limits and the labor certification ground of inadmissibility (INA 212(a)(5)). The labor certification requirement does not apply to family preference immigrants either.

**Automatic conversion**: If a petitioner naturalizes while the I‑130 is pending, the beneficiary’s classification may be converted to an immediate relative category, making a visa immediately available. The petitioner must notify USCIS or the NVC of the naturalization.

**Derivative beneficiaries**: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of a principal preference applicant may apply for a Green Card as derivative applicants, provided the relationship existed before the principal’s admission or adjustment of status, and the principal’s petition is ultimately approved.

**Family and medical leave**: Nothing in the provided context addresses FMLA or H‑1B family-based leave; the context is limited to family-based immigrant visa categories.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Green Card for Family Preference Immigrants (USCIS) · https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-family-preference-immigrants · as of 2026-08-20
- [2] U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (USCIS form page) · https://www.uscis.gov/i-130 · as of 2026-08-20