Move to America

IR2 · IR5 · F1 · F2A · F2B · F3 · F4 · I-130

Move to America Through Family

An overview of how parents, children, siblings and other close relatives of U.S. citizens and green card holders may be able to immigrate, and why the category matters.

Verified against official sources on 2026-10-25 Last verified: 2026-10-25

Core facts, form edition dates and recent notices were checked against the official pages listed below on October 25, 2026. Sections marked 'Our guidance' are our own advice, not official text.

Start application One-time price unavailable. Includes 1 application and 2 evaluations.

Step 1 of 8

Overview

Family-based immigration starts with a U.S. citizen or green card holder filing Form I-130 for a qualifying relative. The State Department sorts family visas into two groups. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) are not numerically limited each year. Everyone else is in a family preference category, which is limited each fiscal year, so there can be a wait. The petitioner must be at least 21, and a green card holder can petition only for a spouse or an unmarried son or daughter.

Common categories at a glance

Definitions as stated by USCIS and the State Department on October 25, 2026.

RelationshipCategory codeNote
Spouse of a U.S. citizenIR1 / CR1Immediate relative. See the marriage guide.
Unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizenIR2Immediate relative.
Parent of a U.S. citizenIR5Immediate relative. The citizen must be 21 or older.
Unmarried son or daughter (21+) of a U.S. citizenF1First preference. Visa Bulletin applies.
Spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a green card holderF2ASecond preference (2A). Visa Bulletin applies.
Unmarried son or daughter (21+) of a green card holderF2BSecond preference (2B). Visa Bulletin applies.
Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen, any ageF3Third preference. Visa Bulletin applies.
Brother or sister of a U.S. citizenF4Fourth preference. The citizen must be an adult. Visa Bulletin applies.
Next: Your category

Step 2 of 8

Your category

Which category may apply to you?

Start with who your petitioner is.

1. Is your petitioner a U.S. citizen or a green card holder?

  • U.S. citizen: A citizen can petition for a spouse, child, parent, or brother or sister. Spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents are immediate relatives, with no Visa Bulletin wait.
  • Green card holder: A green card holder can petition only for a spouse or an unmarried son or daughter (F2A and F2B). These are preference categories and may involve a wait.

2. What is your relationship to the petitioner?

  • Parent, child, or sibling: The category depends on who the petitioner is and on the child's age and marital status. Use the table above.
  • Another relative: Other relatives, such as grandparents or cousins, are not listed as qualifying relationships. Check the official sources.

3. Does age or marital status change?

  • Yes: A change in age or marital status can move a case to a different category or end eligibility. Read the official rules for any protections and consider legal advice.

Petitioner requirements

  • The petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, as the category requires.
  • The petitioner is at least 21 years old (State Department).
  • The petitioner can prove the family relationship with civil documents.
  • The petitioner can meet the financial support requirement (Form I-864).
Back Next: Forms

Step 3 of 8

Forms

Required forms

USCIS edition dates were checked on October 25, 2026. Always use the current edition from the official page.

I-130

Petition for Alien Relative

Filed by the petitioner to establish the relationship.

Fee: $675 paper · $625 online (USCIS)

Current edition: 04/01/24 (checked Oct 25, 2026)

What it does
Asks the government to recognise the family relationship. In preference categories, the filing date becomes your priority date, and USCIS says an approved petition only creates a place in line.
Who files it
The U.S. citizen or green card holder (the petitioner). USCIS also lists U.S. nationals who are not citizens.
When
First step, before the relative applies for a visa or green card.

You will usually need

  • Proof of the petitioner's status
  • Civil documents proving the relationship, such as a birth certificate
  • Proof of any legal name change for the petitioner or the relative

Tip: USCIS lets you file online with an account, or by mail. The mailing address changed on October 7, 2026, so check the page first.

Step-by-step walkthrough Official page for I-130 (opens in a new tab)

I-864

Affidavit of Support

Financial support commitment.

Fee: $0 to USCIS · $120 review fee to the State Department at the NVC

Current edition: 08/24/26 (checked Oct 25, 2026)

What it does
A legally binding contract with the U.S. government to financially support the immigrant.
Who files it
The sponsor, usually the petitioner. USCIS says most family-based immigrants use this form.
When
At the NVC stage for consular cases, or with the I-485 for adjustment cases.

You will usually need

  • Recent tax information
  • Proof of current income
  • Proof of U.S. address
  • A joint sponsor's details if the sponsor's income is not enough

Tip: USCIS offers an optional Sponsor Eligibility Tool. Income thresholds change each year, so use the official page.

Step-by-step walkthrough Official page for I-864 (opens in a new tab)

DS-260

Online Immigrant Visa Application

For beneficiaries applying from abroad.

Fee: $325 processing fee, family-based (State Department)

What it does
The online immigrant visa application, filled in on the State Department's CEAC site.
Who files it
The person applying for the immigrant visa (the beneficiary).
When
After you reach the National Visa Center stage. It is one of the six NVC steps.

You will usually need

  • NVC case number
  • Valid passport
  • Addresses, work and education history
  • Details of your spouse and children

Tip: Print the DS-260 confirmation page. You must bring it to the interview.

Official page for DS-260 (opens in a new tab)

I-485

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

For a relative already in the U.S. who is eligible to adjust status.

Fee: $1,440 paper · $1,390 online, applicants 14 and older (USCIS)

Current edition: 09/18/26 (checked Oct 25, 2026)

What it does
Applies to become a permanent resident without leaving the U.S.
Who files it
The person applying inside the U.S. (the applicant).
When
Only if adjusting status in the U.S. is open to you. USCIS says you generally may not file until a visa is immediately available in your category. Immediate relatives always have one.

You will usually need

  • Proof of inspection and admission or parole
  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • Form I-864 and financial evidence
  • Medical exam record when the instructions ask for it

Tip: The edition changed on September 18, 2026 and a new public charge rule applies to filings from that date. Use the current edition.

Step-by-step walkthrough Official page for I-485 (opens in a new tab)

Back Next: The process

Step 4 of 8

The process

Step-by-step stages

  1. Petitioner files Form I-130With proof of status and proof of the relationship. The filing date becomes the priority date in preference categories.
  2. Wait for the petition decision and for a visa to be availableImmediate relatives do not wait for a visa number. Preference categories wait until the priority date is current in the Visa Bulletin.
  3. National Visa Center (NVC) processingFees, the DS-260, the financial support form and civil documents.
  4. Medical exam and interviewAt the embassy or consulate that serves your country of residence, or your country of nationality if requested.
  5. Visa issuance and entryIf approved.
Back Next: Costs and timing

Step 5 of 8

Costs and timing

Fees and official sources

Government fees as published by the agencies, checked on Oct 25, 2026. Fees change, so confirm on the official page before you pay. These are not Move to America's prices.

Paid to USCIS

FormWhat it is forFeeTiming
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative $675 paper · $625 online 15–18 monthsmonthly averages, 2026 (14.8–18.4)
I-485 Adjust status (applicant 14 or older)Under 14 and filing with a parent's I-485: $950 paper · $900 online. $1,440 paper · $1,390 online 9–12 monthsmonthly averages, 2026 (9.2–12.4)
I-751 Remove conditions on residenceConditional residents who file a waiver based on battery or extreme cruelty: $0. $750 paper · $700 online 22–26 monthsmonthly averages, 2026 (21.9–26.3)
I-864 Affidavit of SupportNo USCIS filing fee. The State Department charges a review fee at the NVC (below). $0 No separate average published
I-693 Medical exam reportNo USCIS filing fee for the form. The doctor's exam fee is separate. $0 No average published

Source: USCIS Fee Schedule, Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26

Paid to the U.S. Department of State

FormWhat it is forFeeTiming
DS-260 Immigrant visa application processing fee (family-based)For immediate relative and family preference cases. $325 Not currently verified
I-864 Affidavit of Support review feeThe State Department says this applies when the review is done domestically. $120 No separate average published
I-130 Petition filed through the State DepartmentListed as collected for USCIS when the petition is filed at a consulate. $675 Same USCIS petition time (left)

Source: Travel.State.Gov, Fees for Visa Services

  • The Timing column shows USCIS's latest published average (see Processing times). It looks backwards and is not a prediction for your case.
  • USCIS says a request without the correct fee will be rejected, and cash can never be used for a filing or biometric fee.
  • USCIS says some fees required under Public Law 119-21 cannot be waived. The I-130, I-485, I-751 and I-864 lines above show no such extra fee in the schedule, but check the fee calculator for your own case.
  • Some applicants can ask USCIS for a fee waiver using Form I-912, but not for fees required under Public Law 119-21.
  • Medical exams, translations, passport photos and document copies cost extra. The exam is paid to the approved doctor, so ask the clinic for its price.
  • Move to America's own charges ($2 per eligibility assessment, and optional community membership) are separate from every fee above.

Processing times

Preference categories depend on the Visa Bulletin, which can mean long, uncertain waits. We do not estimate a single timeline.

  • 15–18 monthsForm I-130: lowest to highest monthly average in 2026 (14.8–18.4)
  • 9–12 monthsForm I-485, family-based: lowest to highest monthly average in 2026 (9.2–12.4)
  • 22–26 monthsForm I-751: lowest to highest monthly average in 2026 (21.9–26.3)

Based on 5 months of USCIS data we checked. It looks backwards, covers all I-130 categories, and is not a prediction for your case. Checked Oct 25, 2026.

See all stages and USCIS averages

Back Next: Avoid mistakes

Step 6 of 8

Avoid mistakes

Common mistakes and red flags

Our guidance, not official text

  • Choosing the wrong category for the relationship
  • Not noticing that a change in a child's age or marital status affects the case
  • Missing or inconsistent civil documents such as birth certificates
  • Unclear family relationships, such as step-relatives or adoption, without proof
  • Misunderstanding what a Visa Bulletin date means

Frequently asked questions

Can a green card holder petition for a parent?

No. The State Department says green card holders can petition only for a spouse or an unmarried son or daughter.

Does an approved I-130 give my relative status?

No. USCIS says an approved I-130 does not grant any benefit except to create a place in line for visa processing.

How long will it take?

It depends on the category, the country and the case. Do not rely on a single number from anywhere without checking the official sources.

Back Next: What changed

Step 7 of 8

What changed

Official notices that can affect a family-based case. Checked on October 25, 2026. Rules change often, so open the source before you act.

  • Jan 1, 2026 · White House / State Department

    Entry restrictions for nationals of listed countries

    A presidential proclamation effective January 1, 2026 suspends entry and visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries in full, and limits visas for nationals of 20 more. Use the lookup in the 'Entry restrictions by nationality' box below to check your nationality. The proclamation lists a small number of exceptions, and its text does not list one for immediate-relative or adoption immigrant visas.

    Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)

  • Oct 7, 2026 · USCIS

    Form I-130 mailing location changed

    USCIS says the mailing location for Form I-130 changed on October 7, 2026. Forms sent to a prior location are accepted if postmarked on or before November 9, 2026. Check the I-130 page for the correct address before mailing, or file online.

    Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)

  • Sep 18, 2026 · USCIS

    New public charge rule for adjustment of status

    A DHS final rule took effect on September 18, 2026. It applies to Form I-485 applications postmarked or submitted online on or after that date. Officers weigh age, health, family status, assets and financial status, and education and skills. If someone is found inadmissible only on public charge grounds, USCIS may invite them to post a public charge bond. USCIS lists a new I-485 edition dated 09/18/26.

    Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)

  • Aug 28, 2026 · U.S. Department of State

    Immigrant visa issuance pause for 75 countries ended by court order

    The State Department says that as of August 21, 2026, a court order ended its January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 listed countries. During the pause, applicants could still apply and attend interviews. State says it is still reviewing its screening and vetting policies, so check the page for the latest and for the country list.

    Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)

  • Aug 5, 2026 · U.S. Department of State

    Public charge bonds for some immigrant visa applicants

    The State Department says consular officers can now require certain immigrant visa applicants to apply for a public charge bond with USCIS. Read the notice for who may be asked and how it works.

    Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)

  • Nov 1, 2025 · U.S. Department of State

    Interviews are scheduled where you live

    Since November 1, 2025, the National Visa Center schedules immigrant visa applicants in their country of residence or, if requested, their country of nationality. Moving a case to another post is reviewed case by case and is done through the NVC, not the consulate.

    Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)

Entry restrictions by nationality

Check whether the January 2026 proclamation affects your nationality.

Full restriction

  • Afghanistan
  • Burma
  • Burkina Faso
  • Chad
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Laos
  • Libya
  • Mali
  • Niger
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Yemen

Travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority are also covered by the full restriction.

Partial restriction (immigrant visas, and B, F, M and J visas)

  • Angola
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Benin
  • Burundi
  • Cuba
  • Côte d'Ivoire
  • Dominica
  • Gabon
  • The Gambia
  • Malawi
  • Mauritania
  • Nigeria
  • Senegal
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Venezuela
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Immigrant visas only

  • Turkmenistan

Exceptions in the proclamation text

  • Lawful permanent residents of the United States.
  • Dual nationals travelling on a passport from a country that is not on the lists.
  • Holders of certain diplomatic and international organization nonimmigrant visas (A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6).
  • Certain athletes and teams, with support staff and immediate relatives, travelling for major sporting events as determined by the Secretary of State.
  • Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees, and immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
  • People who already held a valid visa on January 1, 2026. The proclamation says those visas are not revoked.
  • People already granted asylum in the U.S., and refugees already admitted.
  • Case-by-case national-interest exceptions can be granted by the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security.
  • The proclamation text we read lists no exception for immediate-relative or adoption immigrant visas.
  • For Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela the text says entry stays limited as set out in an earlier proclamation (10949) and in this one, so check the State Department page for the exact visa categories.
  • We read the proclamation as published. It may have been amended since. Check the State Department page before you plan or pay for anything.

Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026. Source: White House, text of the proclamation · State Department notice. Checked Oct 25, 2026.

Back Next: Get ready

Step 8 of 8

Get ready

Readiness checklist

0 of 6 items gathered

Ticking items is just a way to keep track. It does not mean your application is ready or will be approved.

Ready to apply?

Start your guided application: every requirement is explained step by step, your documents are checked, and you finish with a clear "Ready to file" summary.

Start application One-time price unavailable. Includes 1 application and 2 evaluations.

Official sources

The official pages and form instructions are the authority. If this guide differs, follow the official source.

Start preparing

The eligibility questionnaire for this pathway is not available yet. You can start with free preparation resources.

See free preparation resources
Back

Move to America is an independent information and preparation service. We are not a government agency, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee any visa or immigration outcome.