{"id":352901,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:53","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/priority-spouses-fiances-and-adopted-children.html"},"modified":"2026-05-12T14:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T19:30:00","slug":"priority-spouses-fiances-and-adopted-children","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/priority-spouses-fiances-and-adopted-children.html","title":{"rendered":"Visa Priority: Spouses, Fianc\u00e9(e)s, and Adopted Children"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Visa Priority: Spouses, Fianc\u00e9(e)s, and Adopted Children<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The U.S. immigration system prioritizes family reunification, especially for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, fianc\u00e9(e)s, and adopted children. These relatives benefit from expedited visa processing. The family-based immigration system is structured into preference categories, ranging from unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens to siblings of U.S. citizens.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. immigration process places particular emphasis on reuniting family members and on maintaining family relationships. Thus, immediate relatives such as spouses, fiance(e)s, unmarried children, and adopted children of U.S. citizens receive priority. Their visa processing is separate from other nonimmigrant visa holders and is often more expedited.<\/p>\n

This article explains the family-based immigration<\/a> system. Keep reading to learn more about visa applications for spouses, fianc\u00e9(e)s, and adopted children.<\/p>\n

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Eligibility rules and timelines can vary across visa categories. An immigration attorney<\/a> near you can help you understand your options and avoid delays in your family\u2019s immigration journey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Visa Preference Categories<\/h2>\n

Individuals who migrate to the U.S. through the preference visa petition are categorized by preference<\/a>. The table below enumerates the qualifying relatives and their categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Category<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Beneficiaries Covered by This Category<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

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First Preference (F1)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

Unmarried sons and daughters, age\u00a021\u00a0or older, of a U.S. citizen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Second Preference (F2A)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

Spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident (LPR)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Second B Preference (F2B)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

Unmarried sons and daughters, age 21\u00a0or older,\u00a0of an\u00a0LPR<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Third Preference (F3)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

Married sons and daughters of any age\u00a0of a\u00a0U.S. citizen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Fourth Preference (F4)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

Brothers and sisters\u00a0of a\u00a0U.S. citizen. The U.S. citizen petitioner should be\u00a0age 21 or older. The siblings should be the children of one common parent.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Note for categories F1 and F2B<\/a>, their visa adjudication depends on their marital status. Married sons and daughters could lose their eligibility to immigrate through this category.<\/p>\n

Marriages<\/h2>\n

The following is a description of the visa application process for foreign national spouses:<\/p>\n