Numerical Caps (Family Preference)

There are two categories of immigrant visa categories: 1) immediate relatives, and 2) family preference.

Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas (Unlimited):

These types of visas rely on a close family relationship with a United States (“U.S.”) citizen. The number of immigrants allowed in these categories is unlimited. Immediate relative (“IR”) visa types include-
◆ IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
◆ IR-2: Unmarried Child under 21 years of age of a U.S. Citizen
◆ IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen
◆ IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. Citizen
◆ IR-5: Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old

Family Preference Immigrant Visas (Limited):

These types of visas apply to more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specific relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (“LPR”). There are fiscal year numerical limitations on family preference immigrants (shown at the end of each category). The family preference categories are:
◆ Family First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their minor children, if any. (23,400)
◆ Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of LPRs. At least seventy-seven percent of all visas available for this category will go to the spouses and children; the remainder is allocated to unmarried sons and daughters. (114,200)
◆ Family Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children. (23,400)
◆ Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age. (65,000)