As a result of high levels of petition activity, there are substantial waiting periods in most categories. The future beneficiaries are generally not allowed to visit the United States while their immigrant petitions are pending. This group is made up of the former children of US Citizens who have reached the age of twenty-one years. For most countries, the wait is about eighteen months with the Philippines taking around eleven years. Any minor children of the beneficiary are allowed to emigrate with their parent.
Marriage drops the beneficiary to the third preference category.
The second preference category is divided into two parts and is occupied by the eligible relatives of lawful permanent residents. The current wait under this category is over four years for all countries. Children who attain the age of twenty-one will drop to category 2B with the same priority date. The wait in this category is currently over seven years for all countries. Although children of the qualifying relative can adjust with their parent, marriage terminates all eligibility for residency as the son or daughter of a lawful permanent resident.