Nigerians looking for simple means to move permanently to the United States through family sponsorship can use two main family immigrant visa categories recognised by the U.S. government. The categories are Immediate Relative visas and Family Preference visas, according to the September 2026 U.S. Visa Bulletin and information from the U.S. Department of State.
The two categories are important because they do not operate under the same visa-availability rules.
The intention of this publication is to explain what to verify, what to collect, what to expect at each stage, what to monitor afterward, and which mistakes can cause problems. Note that the Visa Bulletin is a moving monthly system, not a guarantee of visa issuance.
Immediate Relative visas have no annual numerical limit
The Immediate Relative category covers certain close relatives of U.S. citizens.
Eligible relationships include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens, where the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old
Unlike Family Preference visas, Immediate Relative visas are not subject to an annual numerical cap. This means qualifying applicants do not have to wait for a visa number to become available under an annual quota.
However, the absence of an annual cap does not mean that the applicant automatically receives a green card. The applicant must still complete the required immigration process and satisfy U.S. visa and admissibility requirements.
Family Preference visas are subject to annual limits
The second route is the Family Preference category. It covers certain relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green-card holders.
The categories include:
- F1: Unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of U.S. citizens
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents
- F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of lawful permanent residents
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4: Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens
Unlike Immediate Relative cases, Family Preference visas are subject to annual numerical limits.
Applicants in these categories therefore need to monitor their priority dates and the monthly Visa Bulletin to determine when an immigrant visa number becomes available.
September 2026 green card dates for family-sponsored applicants
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin provides the latest Final Action Dates for family-sponsored immigrant visas.
For applicants chargeable to countries in the general worldwide category, the dates are:
| Family Category | September 2026 Final Action Date |
|---|---|
| F1 | January 22, 2020 |
| F2A | August 22, 2026 |
| F2B | August 22, 2019 |
| F3 | October 22, 2014 |
| F4 | October 22, 2011 |
The Visa Bulletin uses these dates to determine when immigrant visa numbers are available for final action in the relevant preference categories.
Nigeria falls under the worldwide category
Nigeria is not separately listed in the September 2026 family-sponsored Visa Bulletin.
As a result, Nigerian applicants generally fall under the “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” column when determining the applicable family-preference dates.
This means Nigerian applicants should not use the separate dates listed for countries such as India, China, Mexico or the Philippines unless a specific immigration rule makes a different chargeability determination applicable.
Family sponsorship does not automatically mean a green card
The family-based immigration system allows eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for qualifying relatives.
However, an eligible relationship alone does not guarantee permanent residence.
For Family Preference cases, applicants may have to wait until their priority date becomes current. They must also complete the required immigrant visa process and satisfy U.S. immigration requirements.
The U.S. Department of State describes family-based immigration as one of the routes through which eligible relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can immigrate permanently to the United States.
What the September 2026 update means for Nigerians
For Nigerians with qualifying relatives in the United States, the September 2026 Visa Bulletin provides an important snapshot of the family-based immigration queue.
Those who qualify as Immediate Relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to the annual numerical limitation applied to Family Preference categories.
Applicants under F1, F2A, F2B, F3 and F4, however, are affected by visa-number availability and priority dates.
The difference is particularly important for Nigerians considering permanent relocation to the United States because the applicable family relationship can determine whether the case is subject to the preference-category backlog.
The US has not introduced a new family visa
The September 2026 development should not be interpreted as the launch of two new U.S. visas.
Immediate Relative and Family Preference are existing family-based immigrant visa categories.
The current development is the publication of the September 2026 Visa Bulletin, which provides the latest visa-availability dates for family-sponsored preference categories.
Applicants should therefore assess their individual family relationship and priority date rather than treating the announcement as a new application window.
Key points for Nigerian applicants
- The U.S. recognises Immediate Relative and Family Preference routes for family-based immigration.
- Immediate Relative visas are not subject to the annual numerical cap.
- Family Preference visas are subject to annual limits.
- Family Preference applicants must monitor their priority dates.
- Nigeria is generally included in the worldwide chargeability category.
- The September 2026 Visa Bulletin contains the current family-preference Final Action Dates.
- An approved family petition does not automatically guarantee an immigrant visa or green card.
- The family-based system is for permanent immigration, not temporary visits.
September 2026 status
Status: Existing family-based immigrant visa routes remain available, with September 2026 priority dates now in effect.
Nigerians considering family-sponsored immigration should use the current Visa Bulletin and official U.S. immigration guidance to determine how their individual category is progressing.
The U.S. family-based immigrant visa/green-card process is simple, therefore interested applicants need to understand that the most important work happens before the petition is filed, while the case is being processed, and after submission. The September 2026 Visa Bulletin provides the current priority-date framework, but filing a family petition does not by itself guarantee a visa or green card.
What Applicants Should Know Before Applying for a U.S. Family-Based Immigrant Visa
Family-based immigration to the United States is not simply a matter of completing an online form and waiting for approval. Applicants and their U.S.-based relatives need to prepare carefully because the process can involve a family petition, priority date, National Visa Center processing, document submission, medical examination, an interview and, where applicable, a visa-availability wait.
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin is particularly important for applicants in the family-preference categories because these immigrant visas are numerically limited. Applicants should therefore understand their category and priority date before making major plans.
Before Starting the Application
1. Identify the correct family relationship
The first step is determining whether the relationship qualifies under U.S. family-based immigration rules.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens.
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
- Parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old.
Family-preference categories cover other qualifying relationships, including certain adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.
The category matters because it determines whether a numerical visa limit and waiting period apply.
2. Understand who files the petition
In most family-based cases, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative is the petitioner.
The petitioner generally begins the process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The person seeking the immigrant visa is the beneficiary.
Applicants should not confuse the I-130 petition with the immigrant visa application itself. Approval of the family petition does not automatically mean that the beneficiary has been issued a green card or immigrant visa.
3. Establish the family relationship with evidence
Applicants should start collecting documents that demonstrate the claimed relationship before submitting the petition.
Depending on the relationship, evidence may include:
- Birth certificates.
- Marriage certificates.
- Divorce decrees where applicable.
- Adoption records.
- Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or permanent-resident status.
- Evidence of a genuine marital relationship where relevant.
- Legal name-change documents.
- Other civil records requested by USCIS or the Department of State.
Names and dates should be checked carefully across all documents.
A spelling difference, inconsistent date of birth or unexplained difference in family information can create additional questions or processing delays.
4. Know the priority date
For family-preference cases, the priority date is extremely important.
It generally establishes the beneficiary’s place in the visa queue. Applicants should record the priority date and monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin rather than assuming that an approved I-130 means the immigrant visa is immediately available.
The Department of State publishes monthly Visa Bulletins showing both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing Applications.
5. Check the Visa Bulletin regularly
Applicants should not rely on social-media posts or old immigration articles to determine whether their case can move forward.
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin contains separate dates for family-sponsored preference categories. The relevant category and country of chargeability must be checked against the applicant’s priority date.
For applicants born in countries that are not separately listed in the relevant table, the applicable worldwide category may be used. Applicants should nevertheless check the current bulletin rather than assuming that this will always remain the case.
Documents Applicants Should Prepare Early
A well-organized document file can make the later stages considerably easier.
Applicants should consider preparing:
- Valid passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Divorce or death certificates relating to previous marriages, where applicable.
- Police or civil documents required for the applicant’s circumstances.
- Evidence supporting the family relationship.
- Petitioner’s proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence.
- Previous immigration records, where applicable.
- Court records if applicable.
- Certified English translations where required.
- Passport-style photographs according to the applicable instructions.
- Financial-support documentation when required.
Applicants should not submit documents simply because another applicant used them. Required documentation can be different according to the case and the applicant’s circumstances.
During the Application Process
1. Complete every form consistently
Information should match across the I-130, subsequent immigrant-visa forms, civil documents and other submissions.
Pay particular attention to:
- Full legal names.
- Previous names.
- Dates of birth.
- Places of birth.
- Marriage history.
- Addresses.
- Employment history.
- Previous U.S. travel or immigration history.
- Information about children and other family members.
Do not guess when a form asks for historical information. If an applicant cannot remember something accurately, the applicant should follow the applicable instructions for explaining or documenting it.
2. Keep copies of everything submitted
Applicants should maintain a complete electronic and physical record of:
- Every form.
- Supporting documents.
- USCIS notices.
- Receipt notices.
- Approval notices.
- Emails and correspondence.
- Fee-payment confirmations.
- NVC communications.
- Uploaded documents.
- Interview instructions.
This becomes particularly useful if a case takes a long time or if an applicant needs to respond to a request for additional information.
3. Monitor USCIS and NVC communications
Applicants should actively monitor the case rather than assuming that the government will repeatedly contact them.
A change of address, email address or telephone number should be handled according to the relevant agency’s procedures.
Missing an important notice can cause avoidable delays.
4. Be prepared for the National Visa Center stage
For applicants processing for an immigrant visa outside the United States, the case can move to the National Visa Center after the petition stage and when the case is ready for immigrant-visa processing.
Applicants may need to:
- Pay applicable fees.
- Complete the required immigrant-visa application.
- Submit civil documents.
- Submit financial-support documentation when required.
- Complete other NVC requirements.
- Wait for the case to become documentarily complete.
- Wait for an interview appointment when a visa number is available.
The State Department’s interview-scheduling information explains that interview scheduling depends on factors including the date the NVC determines that the case became documentarily complete.
Do Not Confuse “Dates for Filing” With Final Visa Approval
This is one of the most important points for applicants to understand.
The Visa Bulletin has two important sets of dates:
Dates for Filing Applications indicate when applicants may be able to submit required documentation or, for adjustment-of-status cases, potentially file an application when USCIS permits use of that chart.
Final Action Dates relate to when an immigrant visa number can actually be allocated and the case can proceed toward final approval.
USCIS separately determines which Visa Bulletin chart applicants seeking adjustment of status may use in a particular month.
Therefore, seeing that a priority date is current under one chart does not necessarily mean that the applicant will receive a green card immediately.
Preparing for the Medical Examination
Applicants processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate will generally need an immigrant-visa medical examination with an authorized panel physician.
Applicants should follow the instructions of the embassy or consulate handling the case and use only an approved physician.
Medical examinations should not be arranged based solely on advice from social media or another applicant because procedures and approved providers can change.
Preparing for the Immigrant Visa Interview
The interview should be treated as an official eligibility assessment, not as a formality.
Applicants should:
- Read the interview instructions carefully.
- Bring the required original documents and copies.
- Ensure that required translations are available.
- Review the information submitted in the application.
- Be prepared to explain the family relationship.
- Answer questions honestly and directly.
- Bring any additional documents specifically requested.
- Follow the embassy’s instructions regarding medical examination and registration.
Applicants should never manufacture evidence or provide false information to make a case appear stronger.
Financial Sponsorship Is an Important Part of the Process
Many family-based immigrant visa cases require financial sponsorship documentation.
The petitioner may need to submit an Affidavit of Support and evidence concerning household income and financial circumstances. The exact requirements can depend on the case.
Applicants should therefore discuss the financial-support requirement with the petitioner early rather than waiting until the interview stage.
Where the petitioner’s financial circumstances do not meet the applicable requirements, the case may require additional documentation or another qualifying financial-support arrangement where permitted.
After Submission: What Applicants Should Do
Submitting an application is not the end of the process.
Track the case
Applicants should retain their receipt numbers, case numbers and other identifying information needed to monitor the case.
They should use official USCIS and Department of State channels for case information rather than relying on unofficial tracking websites.
Respond quickly to requests
If USCIS, NVC or the consular post requests additional information or documents, applicants should respond within the stated deadline.
A request for additional evidence should not be ignored.
Applicants should also avoid sending unnecessary documents that were not requested unless the relevant instructions require them.
Continue checking visa availability
Family-preference applicants may face lengthy waits because the number of visas available in those categories is limited.
The priority date should therefore continue to be monitored against each new Visa Bulletin.
Keep personal information updated
If circumstances change during processing, applicants should determine whether the change needs to be reported.
Examples can include:
- Marriage or divorce.
- Birth of a child.
- Change of address.
- Change in passport.
- Changes affecting the petitioner’s immigration status.
- Changes in employment or financial circumstances where relevant.
What Applicants Should Avoid After Applying
Applicants should avoid several common mistakes.
- Do not assume approval is guaranteed. A family relationship and approved petition do not automatically guarantee an immigrant visa.
- Do not buy non-refundable airline tickets too early. Applicants should wait until the visa has actually been issued and they have received the necessary travel documentation.
- Do not resign from employment simply because an interview has been scheduled.
- Do not sell property solely because an immigrant visa case is progressing.
- Do not use fake documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can have serious immigration consequences.
- Do not rely on agents who promise guaranteed approval.
- Do not ignore official correspondence.
If the Case Is Delayed
A delay does not automatically mean that an application has been denied.
Cases can experience delays because of:
- Visa-number availability.
- Missing documents.
- Administrative processing.
- Security or background checks.
- Requests for additional information.
- Interview scheduling constraints.
- Medical or document issues.
The Department of State explains that administrative processing may occur when additional information is needed to establish eligibility.
Applicants should therefore differentiate between pending, administrative processing, refused, and denied cases instead of treating every delay as a rejection.
The September 2026 Reality Check for Applicants
First, for Nigerians and other applicants following the September 2026 update, the most important point is that the government has not created a new family-based green-card category.
The two family-based pathways remain Immediate Relative and Family Preference. What changes from month to month is primarily visa availability and processing information reflected in the Visa Bulletin.
Secondly, for family-preference applicants, the September 2026 bulletin is therefore something to monitor closely because it provides the applicable filing and final-action dates for that month.
Applicants should treat the September dates as a snapshot, not as a permanent timetable. Visa Bulletin dates can move forward, remain unchanged or move backward in future months.
Applicant Checklist
Before submitting:
- Confirm the qualifying family relationship.
- Confirm whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Identify the correct preference category, if applicable.
- Gather civil and relationship documents.
- Check names and dates across all documents.
- Obtain required translations.
- Complete the appropriate forms carefully.
- Review the entire application before submission.
- Keep copies of everything.
- Confirm the correct filing address and current government instructions.
- Understand the financial-support requirements.
- Record the receipt or case number.
After submitting:
- Monitor USCIS communications.
- Keep contact information updated.
- Monitor the Visa Bulletin if subject to a numerical limit.
- Respond promptly to requests for evidence or additional documents.
- Complete NVC requirements when instructed.
- Prepare for the medical examination.
- Prepare for the interview.
- Continue checking official government instructions.
- Do not make irreversible financial or travel decisions before visa issuance.
Official Sources to Monitor
Applicants should use government websites as their primary source of information because immigration rules, processing procedures and Visa Bulletin dates can change.
U.S. Department of State — Visa Bulletin:
September 2026 Visa Bulletin
U.S. Department of State — Family Immigration:
Family Immigration Information
USCIS — Visa Availability and Priority Dates:
Visa Availability and Priority Dates
USCIS — Adjustment of Status Filing Charts:
Adjustment of Status Filing Charts
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Important Disclaimer
This guide is intended for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Family-based immigration cases can involve individual facts that materially change the applicable procedure or eligibility. Applicants with complicated family, immigration, criminal, prior-visa, misrepresentation or status issues should consider obtaining advice from a qualified U.S. immigration attorney before filing. Lastly, do not fall for visa scam. ScholarshipsTravel.com will not ask you for money. Read about us.
A Travel Consultant dedicated to helping students, job seekers, and professionals discover life-changing opportunities around the world. He holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management, Project Management & Ticketing, Degree in Microbiology, and Master’s in Public Health.