System and method embodiments are provided for differentiated fast initial link setup. The embodiments enable improved performance of initial link setup by stations in a wireless local area network during the association process and mitigate the negative effect of bursty association on existing associated users. In an embodiment, a method in a wirelessly enabled network component for differentiated fast initial link setup in a wireless local area network, includes determining categories of station types for initial link setup; determining initial link setup conditions for each station type, wherein the initial link setup conditions specify a priority of associating for each station type; and broadcasting initial link setup conditions to a plurality of stations, wherein the stations determine whether to associate with the wirelessly enabled network component immediately or after a time duration according to the station types and initial link setup conditions.