The United States Government has outlined two main family-based immigrant visa categories for foreign nationals seeking permanent residence through qualifying family relationships.

The two categories are Immediate Relative visas and Family Preference visas, according to the US Department of State’s September 2026 Visa Bulletin.

The Immediate Relative category covers spouses of US citizens, unmarried children under 21 of US citizens and parents of US citizens who are at least 21 years old.

Unlike other family-sponsored categories, Immediate Relative visas are not subject to an annual numerical limit.

The Family Preference category covers certain family relationships involving US citizens and lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green-card holders.

It includes unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of US citizens, spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents, married sons and daughters of US citizens, as well as brothers and sisters of adult US citizens.

Family Preference visas are subject to annual numerical limits, meaning eligible applicants may have to wait until a visa becomes available.

The State Department said the fiscal year 2026 limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants was 226,000.

The category is divided into five preference classifications: F1 for unmarried adult children of US citizens; F2A for spouses and children of permanent residents; F2B for unmarried adult children of permanent residents; F3 for married children of US citizens; and F4 for siblings of adult US citizens.

For September, the bulletin listed final action dates of Aug. 22, 2026, for F2A applicants and Aug. 22, 2019, for F2B applicants from most chargeability areas.

The final action date for F3 applicants was Oct. 22, 2014, while F4 applicants had a final action date of Oct. 22, 2011.

Separate dates apply to applicants chargeable to countries including China, India, Mexico and the Philippines because of country-specific visa limits and demand.

For Nigerians seeking permanent residence through family sponsorship, the distinction between the two categories is significant because Immediate Relative visas are not subject to the annual numerical cap, while Family Preference visas are.

The State Department also warned that visa availability could change during the fiscal year and that retrogression could become necessary if demand increases or annual limits are reached.