For many families, applying for a green card through a relative is not a quick process. Some wait years — even decades — for their turn. The rules can feel confusing, and the Visa Bulletin often looks like a calendar written in another language.

At Rebecca Kitson Law, we help you understand where your case stands, what each update means, and what you can do to prepare while you wait. Our goal is simple: to make a complicated system feel more manageable, especially for families from México, Guatemala, and El Salvador who may not be familiar with English or with U.S. immigration terms.

You don’t have to check dates alone or worry that you’ll miss your moment. We guide you through every step.

What Are Family Preference Categories?

Not all family members have the same path to a green card. Only immediate relatives — spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens — have visas available right away.

Everyone else falls into family preference categories, which are groups that determine:

• your place in line
• how long you may wait
• when you can take the next step toward your green card

These family categories include:

• Adult children of U.S. citizens
• Married children of U.S. citizens
• Siblings of U.S. citizens
• Spouses and children of U.S. permanent residents

Because visa numbers are limited each year, many families wait patiently for their priority date — the date the I-130 petition was filed — to become current.

Why Preference Categories Matter in Your Case

Families often ask:

• “Is it our turn yet?”
• “How long will we wait?”
• “What happens after our priority date becomes current?”

These feelings — uncertainty, frustration, fear of missing out — are incredibly common. Our job is to help you understand the timeline and prepare for the next stage before your turn arrives, so nothing slows you down when the moment finally comes.

Situations That May Sound Like Your Own

Parents Waiting for Their Adult Child’s Turn

A couple from El Salvador filed an I-130 petition for their adult daughter. Years passed, and they weren’t sure if anything was changing. We checked the Visa Bulletin monthly, explained each movement, and helped them prepare documents in advance so they could move quickly once their date became current.

A Sibling Petition Filed Long Ago

A man from Mexico filed for his sister many years earlier. He kept hearing, “It’s a long wait,” but never knew what stage the case was in. We reviewed his priority date, showed him where it fell on the chart, and helped him understand when his sister could expect the next step.

A Case Where the Petitioner Passed Away

A mother petitioned for her son, but sadly passed away during the wait. The family believed the case was lost forever. We guided them through humanitarian reinstatement, explaining what evidence was needed and helping them continue the process with dignity and care.

A Permanent Resident Helping Their Married Child

A father with a green card wanted to help his married daughter stay connected to her family in the U.S. We explained the preference category rules, the possible timeline, and what documents she would need in the future — giving the family clarity instead of confusion.

How We Support Families in Preference Category Cases

1. We track your priority date and explain what it means.

You don’t need to translate charts or decode government language. We tell you where your case stands and what movement on the Visa Bulletin really means for you.

2. We prepare you for the moment your turn arrives.

Some families lose time because they aren’t ready when the Visa Bulletin finally shows “current.” We help you get ahead so your case can move forward without unnecessary delays.

3. We guide you through the next legal step.

Once your priority date becomes current, we help you understand whether you must proceed with consular processing or Adjustment of Status.

4. We assist with humanitarian reinstatement when needed.

If the petitioner has passed away, we help you understand whether your case can continue and what evidence is required.

5. We stay connected with you throughout the long wait.

We know this process is not fast. But you will never be left wondering what’s happening or what comes next.

Common Questions About Preference Categories

Why does my case take so long?

Visa numbers are limited every year. Some categories have long lines, especially for people from certain countries.

What is a priority date?

It’s the date your I-130 was filed — your “place in line.”

How do I know when it’s my turn?

We monitor the Visa Bulletin for you and explain the updates clearly.

What happens when my priority date becomes current?

You can move forward with the next step: consular processing or Adjustment of Status, depending on your situation.

Can my case continue if the petitioner dies?

Possibly. Humanitarian reinstatement may allow the case to move forward.

Can I speed up the wait?

Unfortunately, no — but preparing early can prevent delays once your date finally becomes current.

When You’re Ready, We’re Here to Help Your Family Move Forward

Waiting for a visa can feel endless, especially when you don’t fully understand the system. You don’t have to wait alone — and you don’t have to interpret the Visa Bulletin by yourself.

If you want clarity, direction, and a plan for the future, we’re here to support you every step of the way.