Understanding Family-Based Preference Categories

For over five decades, the Law Office of Robert D. Ahlgren and Associates, P.C. has been a beacon of hope for families striving to navigate the intricate landscape of U.S. immigration law. We understand how important it is to keep families together, and we are committed to helping loved ones reunite through our experience in family-based immigration.

In order to understand how families can immigrate to the United States, it is important to first understand the concept of family-based preference categories. In this blog, we will break down the different categories and provide a deeper understanding of how they work.

What are family-based preference categories?

Family-based preference categories refer to the different groups of relatives that are eligible for immigration to the United States. These categories are based on the relationship between the sponsor, who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR), and the intending immigrant, who is seeking to enter the United States.

Immediate Relatives

Immediate relatives have special immigration priority. They do not have to wait in line for a visa number to become available for them to immigrate because there are an unlimited number of visas for their particular categories. These include spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens, and parents of U.S. citizens 21 or older.

Family First Preference (F1)

This category includes unmarried children of U.S. citizens and their minor children, if any.

Family Second Preference (F2)

Under this category, spouses, minor children, and unmarried children (age 21 and over) of lawful permanent residents are covered.

Family Third and Fourth Preference (F3 & F4)

The F3 category refers to married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children. The F4 category, on the other hand, includes siblings of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years of age.

The Role of an Immigration Attorney and the Benefits of Hiring One

Navigating through the complex immigration system is not a task to take lightly. This is where the services of a family-based immigration attorney become indispensable. An experienced immigration attorney guides you through the entire process, ensuring all necessary procedures are correctly followed, and all documentation is accurately completed and submitted on time. They also provide valuable advice regarding eligibility criteria for each category and any relevant laws or regulations that apply.

Hiring an immigration attorney brings several benefits. They keep you updated on the status of your case, interpret complex legal terms, and represent you effectively in court proceedings. Moreover, their knowledge can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Contact Us

The Law Office of Robert D. Ahlgren and Associates, P.C. understands the intricacies of U.S. immigration law and offers comprehensive legal services to help you navigate this challenging landscape. We invite you to contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your options.