Guide · 6 min read
Family Visa Bulletin Categories Explained
Last updated
The family-sponsored rows
Family-sponsored green cards are split into preference categories: F1 for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens, F2A for spouses and children of permanent residents, F2B for unmarried adult children of permanent residents, F3 for married children of U.S. citizens, and F4 for siblings of U.S. citizens.
Why country matters
The Visa Bulletin separates some high-demand countries, including Mexico and the Philippines, because their queues can move differently from All Chargeability Areas. Always check the country column that matches your chargeability.
How to track a family case
Find your family category, choose your country, and compare your priority date with the current cutoff. Family categories can move slowly, so month-over-month history is often more useful than one bulletin alone.