Family-based green card

For spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens, and for certain relatives of lawful permanent residents. The largest category of green cards issued each year.

Next step for this family

Use the process guides to understand how this family usually moves forward. Check checklist coverage only after you know which pathway and process fit the case.

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Process guides

These guides cover the processes most relevant to this pathway family.

Checklist support

At least one pathway in this family has supported checklist support today. Exact support still depends on the specific pathway, processing context, and, for consular cases, sometimes the interview post.

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Pathways in this family

Immediate relative of a U.S. citizenSpouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Adjustment of status, Consular processingForms hint: I-130, I-485 or DS-260, I-864Open pathway →Family preference immigrantAdult children or siblings of U.S. citizens, or spouses or unmarried children of lawful permanent residents.Quota-controlled (subject to annual limits)Modes: Adjustment of status, Consular processingForms hint: I-130, I-485 or DS-260, I-864Open pathway →Fiance(e) visa pathway to green card (K-1/K-2)K-1 visa holders and their K-2 children adjusting to permanent residence after marriage to the U.S. citizen petitioner.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Adjustment of statusForms hint: I-485, I-864Open pathway →Widow or widower of a U.S. citizenWidows or widowers who were married to a U.S. citizen and meet the USCIS eligibility requirements.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Adjustment of status, Consular processingForms hint: I-360, I-485 or DS-260Open pathway →VAWA self-petitionerAbuse survivors who self-petition under the Violence Against Women Act, regardless of gender.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Adjustment of statusForms hint: I-360, I-485Open pathway →Adopted child: family-based petitionAdopted children who qualify under the family-based petition framework (not orphan or Hague pathways).No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Adjustment of status, Consular processingForms hint: I-130, I-485 or DS-260, I-864Open pathway →Adoption: Hague Convention (IH-3/IH-4)Qualifying U.S. citizen adoptive parents and children under the Hague Convention intercountry adoption framework.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Consular processingForms hint: I-800A, I-800, DS-260Open pathway →Adoption: orphan process (IR-3/IR-4)Qualifying U.S. citizen adoptive parents and children under the non-Hague orphan process.No annual quota (visa always available when petition approved)Modes: Consular processingForms hint: I-600A, I-600, DS-260Open pathway →

Coverage note: Family-based pathways have source-backed coverage across the family. Use the checklist to route to your exact combination, including the processing context and interview post when those details matter.