The short answer
A U.S. citizen can petition for an unmarried child under 21 as an immediate relative with no line. Older or married children, and children of permanent residents, are in preference categories with waiting lines.
What to know
- Unmarried child under 21 of a citizen: immediate relative.
- Unmarried son or daughter 21 or older of a citizen: F1 category.
- Married son or daughter of a citizen: F3 category.
- Unmarried child under 21 of a permanent resident: F2A. Unmarried son or daughter 21 or older of a permanent resident: F2B.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see USCIS.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.