US explains two family-based immigrant visa categories

The United States Government has explained two major family-based immigrant visa categories available to foreigners who want to move to the country permanently through eligible family relationships.

The categories are Immediate Relative visas and Family Preference visas.

According to the US Department of State, applicants must obtain an immigrant visa and meet the requirements for the category under which they are applying.

The information was contained in the department’s September 2026 Visa Bulletin, published on its website.

The Immediate Relative category is available to certain close relatives of US citizens.

It covers spouses of US citizens, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of US citizens who are at least 21 years old.

Unlike some other family-based visas, Immediate Relative visas do not have an annual numerical limit.

The Family Preference category applies to certain relatives of US citizens and lawful permanent residents, also known as green-card holders.

It includes unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of US citizens, spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents, married sons and daughters of US citizens, and siblings of adult US citizens.

However, these visas are subject to annual quotas. This means eligible applicants may have to wait until a visa becomes available.

The State Department said, “The fiscal year 2026 limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants determined in accordance with Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is 226,000.”

The department identified five preference categories: F1 for unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens; F2A for spouses and children of permanent residents; F2B for unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of permanent residents; F3 for married sons and daughters of US citizens; and F4 for brothers and sisters of adult US citizens.

For September 2026, the bulletin gives different final action dates for the various categories. For applicants from most countries, the F1 date is January 22, 2020, while F2A is August 22, 2026, and F2B is August 22, 2019.

The F3 category has a final action date of October 22, 2014, while F4 is October 22, 2011.

Separate dates apply to applicants from China, India, Mexico and the Philippines because of country-specific visa limits and demand.

For Nigerians planning to relocate to the US through family sponsorship, understanding the difference between the two categories is important.

Immediate Relative visas are not subject to an annual numerical cap, while Family Preference visas are limited and may involve waiting periods.

The State Department also warned that visa availability can change during the financial year. If demand rises or the annual limits are reached, some priority dates could move backwards, a situation known as visa retrogression.