United States outlines family-based visa pathways for permanent residency

The United States government has outlined two primary pathways for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency through family relationships: the Immediate Relative category and the Family Preference category.

Immediate Relative visas are available to spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens, and parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old. These visas are not subject to annual numerical limits. In contrast, Family Preference visas—which include certain relatives of both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents—are subject to annual limits. According to the State Department’s September 2026 Visa Bulletin, the fiscal year 2026 limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants is set at 226,000.

Applicants must navigate different procedures depending on their location. Those already in the U.S. may apply for an adjustment of status, while those abroad must undergo consular processing. Immigration authorities require extensive documentation to establish the bona fides of a marriage to ensure applications are genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.