Foreign nationals hoping to permanently relocate to the United States (US) through family sponsorship have two major immigrant visa pathways, depending on their relationship with a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
The two options, Immediate Relative and Family Preference visas, have different eligibility requirements and rules governing how quickly applicants may receive immigrant visas.
Immediate relatives face no annual visa cap
The US Department of State classifies spouses of US citizens, unmarried children below 21, and parents of adult US citizens as immediate relatives.
Parents can qualify only when their US citizen child is at least 21 years old.
Unlike other family-sponsored immigration categories, Immediate Relative visas are not subject to annual numerical limits.
This means there is no fixed yearly cap restricting the number of qualified applicants who can receive visas under the category.
Other family members fall under preference system
Relatives who do not qualify as immediate relatives may be considered under the Family Preference category.
This system covers unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of US citizens.
It also includes spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents, commonly referred to as green-card holders.
Married sons and daughters of US citizens and siblings of adult US citizens are also included in the preference categories.
However, visas under this pathway are limited by annual quotas, meaning applicants may spend years waiting for an available visa.
The US Department of State’s September 2026 Visa Bulletin indicates that visa availability for family-preference applicants depends on priority dates, visa categories and countries of chargeability.
For Nigerians seeking to move permanently to the United States through relatives, the applicant’s relationship with the sponsor could therefore determine the immigration pathway and potential waiting period.
Eligible US citizens and lawful permanent residents can generally begin the sponsorship process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Approval of the petition does not automatically guarantee immediate relocation or permanent residence, as applicants must still complete other immigration requirements.
The distinction between Immediate Relative and Family Preference visas remains important for foreigners considering family-based immigration to the United States.