The United States government has released updated guidance on family-based immigration routes available to foreign nationals seeking permanent residence through eligible relatives.
According to the September 2026 Visa Bulletin, family-sponsored immigration to the US is divided into two main categories: Immediate Relative visas and Family Preference visas.
Immediate Relative visas are for close family members of American citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of US citizens aged 21 and above. These visas are not subject to annual quotas, meaning eligible applicants can proceed without waiting for visa numbers.
Family Preference visas cover a broader range of relationships involving US citizens and lawful permanent residents. They include adult unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens, spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents, married sons and daughters of US citizens, and siblings of adult US citizens.
Unlike Immediate Relative visas, Family Preference visas are capped annually. US immigration authorities stated the annual limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants for the 2026 fiscal year remains 226,000 visas.
The bulletin outlines five preference classifications: F1 for unmarried adult sons and daughters of US citizens; F2A for spouses and children of permanent residents; F2B for unmarried adult sons and daughters 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, visa processing dates vary by category based on demand and allocation limits. Separate timelines also apply to applicants from countries with high demand, including China, India, Mexico and the Philippines.
US authorities noted that visa availability can fluctuate and processing dates may be adjusted if demand exceeds the number of visas allocated for a category.
