Travel & Citizenship

Green Card Through Family: Immediate Relatives and Preference Categories

3 min read

In this guide
  1. What are the two groups of relatives?
  2. The main forms
  3. K-1 and K-3 visas
  4. Step-by-step
  5. Common mistakes
  6. Frequently asked questions
    1. Do immediate relatives wait for a visa number?
    2. Can I apply from inside the US?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

Quick answer: A family-based green card starts when a US citizen (or in some cases a permanent resident) files a petition for a relative. Relatives fall into two groups: immediate relatives and family preference categories. The main forms are Form I-130 for the petition, Form I-485 to adjust status inside the US and Form I-864, the affidavit of support.

Family sponsorship is the most common route to a US green card. This guide explains the structure so you can see where you or your relative fits.

What are the two groups of relatives?

Group What it means
Immediate relatives A close group of family members of US citizens. They are not held back by the yearly numerical limits that apply to other categories.
Family preference categories Other qualifying relatives, who must wait for a visa number to become available.

The main forms

  • Form I-130 – the petition that establishes the family relationship.
  • Form I-485 – the application to adjust status when the relative is already in the US and eligible. See our adjustment of status guide.
  • Form I-864 – the affidavit of support. See our Form I-864 guide.

K-1 and K-3 visas

USCIS also describes K visas for the fiancé(e) and spouse of a US citizen. These are separate from a standard I-130 petition path, so read the official K-1 and K-3 pages if your situation matches.

Step-by-step

  1. Work out whether the relative is an immediate relative or in a preference category.
  2. The sponsor files the petition.
  3. If a visa number is needed, wait until one is available.
  4. The relative applies for the green card, either inside the US (adjustment) or through a consulate.
  5. The sponsor completes the affidavit of support.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every relative is an immediate relative. Many are in preference categories with waits.
  • Skipping the affidavit of support. It is a key part of the process.
  • Using the wrong filing route. Check whether adjustment inside the US is allowed in your case.

Frequently asked questions

Do immediate relatives wait for a visa number?

Immediate relatives are not subject to the yearly numerical limits, so they generally do not wait in a visa queue the way preference categories do.

Can I apply from inside the US?

Some people can adjust status in the US; others must use consular processing.

Key takeaways

  • Two groups: immediate relatives and preference categories.
  • Key forms: I-130, I-485 and I-864.
  • Waiting times depend on the category.

Last updated: October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm details with USCIS or a qualified immigration attorney.

Sources

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Family of U.S. Citizens

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