Preference Relative



Relatives of U.S. citizens and LPRs in the following preference categories are subject to limitations on the number of visas that can be issued each year. The Visa Bulletin, released monthly by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), provides the cutoff dates indicating the availability of immigrant visa numbers for each of the above categories. The family preference categories are:

  • 1st Preference - Unmarried sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens
  • 2nd Preference - Spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents (LPRs)
  • 3rd Preference - Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
  • 4th Preference - Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens


  • For More on Preference Relatives, See Permanent Resident Page

    For Preference Relative news, information, complexities, and options, see the Family-Based, Permanent Resident page.