Family Preference Wait Calculator
Estimate wait times for family-sponsored green card categories F1 through F4.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Family preference categories are for more distant family relationships that do not qualify for immediate relative status. Unlike immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of US citizens), preference categories have annual numerical limits that create waiting lists.
The Formula
Estimated Wait = Historical average processing time for category and country
Age at Approval = Current Petitioner Age + Wait Time
Age at Approval = Current Petitioner Age + Wait Time
Variables
- F1 — Unmarried adult sons/daughters of US citizens
- F2A — Spouses and minor children of permanent residents
- F2B — Unmarried adult sons/daughters of permanent residents
- F3 — Married sons/daughters of US citizens
- F4 — Brothers and sisters of US citizens
Example
An F2A applicant from the Rest of World can expect about 2.5 years (30 months). A Mexican F4 applicant may wait 22+ years.
Tips
- F2A has the shortest wait of all preference categories.
- Mexico and Philippines have the longest backlogs in most categories.
- If an LPR sponsor naturalizes, F2A can become immediate relative (no wait).
- CSPA protects children from aging out of certain categories.
- Check if your sponsor can upgrade to citizen to potentially change categories.