Visa information · Family-Based Immigration
F1–F4 — Family-Preference Categories
Official material describes family-preference categories as covering more distant relationships, which are subject to annual numerical limits and published visa bulletin priority dates.
Last reviewed: 1 August 2026 · Rules and fees can change without notice — always check the official government pages linked on this page.
Generally used for
- Relationships listed in the official family-preference categories
- Applicants monitoring the monthly Visa Bulletin
What the official material says
- The Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin with priority date information.
- Waiting periods are determined by the U.S. Government, not by any service provider.
This is a general summary for educational purposes. It is not an assessment of your circumstances, and it does not indicate whether you qualify.
Documents commonly referenced
- A valid passport, as described in the official instructions
- The confirmation page for the relevant online application form
- Appointment confirmation and fee receipt, where applicable
- Photograph meeting the published specifications
- Any supporting documents the applicant personally chooses to bring
Always confirm the current requirements on the official pages below. We can help you name, order and index the documents you personally choose to prepare.
Common questions
- How long will my category take?
- We cannot estimate processing times. Official Visa Bulletin and processing time pages are the only reliable sources, and they change.
Important disclaimer
America Visa Collective is an independent education and administrative support business. We are not affiliated with USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, any United States embassy or consulate, or any other government authority. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice, determine visa eligibility or represent applicants before government agencies. Information and administrative assistance are based on publicly available resources and are general in nature. Customers remain responsible for reviewing, approving and submitting their own information. Visa decisions are made exclusively by United States Government authorities. Purchasing a product or service does not guarantee eligibility, an appointment, processing within a particular period or approval.
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