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American Preference Visa Categories: Family

The preference system of visa allocation allows American citizens to petition the USCIS on behalf of certain qualifying relatives. Preference categories are based around a numerical limit which determines the availability and waiting period of each preference category.

The preference categories are as follows:

• First Preference

  For unmarried sons and daughters of American citizens who are over the age of 21 years (also includes divorced sons and daughters).

• Second Preference

  For spouses and unmarried sons and daughters (any age) of lawful permanent residents.

• Third Preference

  Married sons and daughters of American citizens, their spouses and unmarried minor children.

• Fourth Preference

  Brothers and sisters of adult American citizens, their spouses and unmarried minor children.

The numerical limits decrease in order of preference, meaning the first preference is allocated more places for migration than the second preference and so on. This also means that applications under this system are often backlogged, and as such those seeking to obtain American visas using a preference category may face a wait of several years.