Family and Employment-Based Preferences

Family and Employment-Based Preferences refer to two main categories used by immigration systems, particularly in the United States, to prioritize who can obtain visas to live and work permanently. Family-based preferences allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor relatives for immigration. In contrast, employment-based preferences focus on individuals with specific job skills or qualifications that are in demand. Each category has different visa limits and processing times, helping to keep families together while also addressing labor shortages and economic needs.