Family First Preference (F1) Visa Lawyer
Seeking a Family First Preference (F1) visa?
The team at Naya Immigration is passionate about helping you through the process to achieve your dreams and reunite your family.
Many barriers created by the U.S. immigration system prevent families from reuniting. One such barrier is that the unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens who are over the age of 21 do not fall under the “immediate relative” category for immigration purposes.
Fortunately, a Family First Preference (F1) Visa creates a path to lawful permanent residency for adult sons and daughters who do not qualify as immediate relatives.
At Naya Immigration, we offer assistance to both U.S. citizens looking to sponsor their unmarried sons and daughters for lawful permanent residency (green cards) and adult children of U.S. citizens who want to explore their options to reunite with their parents in the United States.
Our Family First Preference (F1) Visa lawyers can help make the immigration process as streamlined and stress-free as possible by explaining and helping you collect and submit a visa petition and accompanying documents, fill out the necessary forms, prepare for consular processing, and identifying (and resolving) any legal issues you may encounter during the process.
Reach out to Naya Immigration to discuss your circumstances and get the insights and legal guidance you need during the Family First Preference (F1) Visa application process.
Contact Us
F1 Immigrant Visa Overview
According to the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), only three categories of persons meet the definition of an “immediate relative” for the purposes of becoming a lawful permanent resident: the spouse, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of a U.S. citizen. Parents fall under this category only if the U.S. citizen is aged 21 or older.
But does it mean U.S. citizens cannot reunite with their adult children just because they are older than 21? Fortunately, the answer is no.
The Family First Preference (F1) Visa is specifically meant to allow the unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens to reunite in the U.S. after their 21st birthday.
A child over the age of 21 may qualify under the Family First Preference (F1) category if all of the following requirements are met:
- They are the daughter or son of a U.S. citizen (not a permanent resident).
- They are unmarried.
- They are at least 21 years of age.
- They met the definition of a “child,” as stated on the USCIS website, when they were younger than 21.
If you are not sure whether you or your child qualifies for a green card under the F1 category, speak with a Family First Preference (F1) Visa lawyer and explore all of your options for immigration.
Let Us Help
Let us guide you through your immigration journey with professional care and dedication—contact us today to see how we can help you achieve your goals.
Family First Preference (F1) Visa Application Process
The process of applying for a Family First Preference (F1) visa consists of four primary steps:
- Submit Form I-130 and accompanying documents. The U.S. citizen looking to sponsor their adult son or daughter must submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) along with accompanying documents online to USCIS. If the petitioner is filing an application for multiple children, they must submit a separate petition for each qualifying child.
- Verification. USCIS will verify the information stated in the petition when deciding whether to approve or deny the request for a Family First Preference (F1) visa. If the request is approved, the applicant may be required to submit additional documents and pay a fee for the visa issuance
- Wait for the visa. Once the applicant satisfies the USCIS request for additional documentation and the fee is paid, they will have to wait until their visa becomes available. Please note that 8 U.S.C. § 1151(c) sets an annual minimum family-sponsored preferences limit of 226,000. Wait times are dependent on country of birth of applicant.
- Undergo consular processing. Applicants outside the United States will have to go to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to undergo consular processing, which is the final step of the application process. Once the visa is granted, the applicant can come to the U.S. as a holder of the Family First Preference (F1) Visa.
Going through the application process alone may feel frightening and stressful. However, you do not have to do it on your own and can seek the advice and representation of a Family First Preference (F1) Visa lawyer at Naya Immigration.
Preparing for the F1 Visa Interview
Submitting Form I-130 and accompanying documents is half of the process. The other half lies in preparing for the F1 visa interview. Tips on how to prepare for the interview include the following:
- Prepare the necessary documents. The applicant is required to bring a variety of original or certified copy documents to the visa interview.
- Training for all potential questions with a lawyer. There are dozens of questions an applicant could be asked during the interview, including but not limited to questions about their relationship with the parents. An expereinced lawyer will be able to help you prepare for all potential questions based on your situation and train you to provide answers in a confident and timely manner.
A Family First Preference (F1) Visa lawyer at Naya Immigration can help you prepare for the F1 visa interview, explain what to expect, and relieve your stress and anxiety surrounding the process.
Documents Required for a Family First Preference (F1) Visa
The documents that may be required for the F1 visa application process vary from one person to another. However, the following documents are often requested by USCIS when applying for the Family First Preference (F1) Visa:
- Form I-130
- Form I-864
- Two passport-style photos
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship
- A copy of a birth certificate and a valid passport
- A certified copy of police and court records of criminal history
- Documentation showing the relationship between the petitioner and the applicant
Depending on the circumstances of your case, USCIS may request other items. When working with a lawyer, you will be able to gather and submit the necessary documents in a timely manner while also avoiding mistakes when filling out forms.
Family First Preference (F1) Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Family First Preference (F1) visa?
The Family First Preference (F1) visa is an immigrant visa category that allows unmarried adult children (21 years or older) of U.S. citizens to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States.
Who is eligible for the F1 visa under U.S. immigration law?
Eligibility requires the beneficiary to be unmarried, at least 21 years old, and the child of a U.S. citizen who files a qualifying family petition on their behalf.
How do you apply for a Family First Preference (F1) visa?
The process begins when a U.S. citizen parent files Form I‑130 with USCIS, followed by National Visa Center processing and a consular interview once the priority date becomes current.
How long does F1 visa processing take in the United States?
Processing times vary by country of chargeability and visa availability, and F‑1 cases often take many years due to annual numerical limits.
What is the difference between an F1 and F2 visa?
The F1 visa is for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens, whileF‑2A and F‑2B categories apply to family members of lawful permanent residents.
What documents are required for a Family First Preference (F1) visa?
Typical documents include Form I‑130 approval, birth certificates, proof of U.S. citizenship, civil documents, police certificates, and financial support forms.
How does the National Visa Center (NVC) process an F1 visa case?
After USCIS approval, the case is transferred to the NVC, which collects fees, forms, and supporting documents before scheduling the consular interview.
What is a priority date and why is it important for the F1 visa?
The priority date is the filing date of Form I‑130 and determines when the applicant can move forward based on visa availability in the Visa Bulletin.
What questions are asked during an F1 visa interview?
Interview questions typically focus on verifying family relationships, marital status, background information, and eligibility for permanent residence.
What does approval of an F1 visa petition mean?
Approval confirms the qualifying relationship but does not grant a visa immediately; the applicant must wait for the priority date to become current.
Is the F1 visa an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa?
The F1 Family First Preference visa is an immigrant visa that leads to lawful permanent resident status (a green card).
How can you check the status of your F1 visa priority date?
Applicants can track priority dates by reviewing the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin each month.
What are the fees associated with an F1 visa?
Costs typically include USCIS filing fees, NVC processing fees, medical examination fees, and consular interview fees.
How long does it take to receive a green card through the F1 visa?
The total timeline can range from several years to over a decade, depending on visa backlogs and country of origin.
What are common reasons F1 visas are denied and how can they be avoided?
Denials often result from missing documentation, ineligibility, misrepresentation, or failure to meet financial requirements. Careful preparation and legal guidance can help identify issues early and reduce procedural errors.
How Can a Family First Preference (F1) Visa Lawyer Help?
Immigration law can be confusing and is incredibly nuanced. That’s why the process of applying for a Family First Preference (F1) visa may seem daunting and sometimes even disheartening when undertaken without the assistance of a lawyer.
Our qualified and empathic Family First Preference (F1) Visa lawyers at Naya Immigration have a thorough understanding of the immigration process and can take the heavy burden and stress off your shoulders. During an initial consultation, we can assess your situation and explain the options available to you.
We know how important it is to keep families together, which is why we are dedicated to easing your immigration journey. Contact Naya Immigration today to get the guidance and support you need throughout the Family First Preference (F1) Visa application process.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. Viewing information on this website and/or contacting Naya Law Group, PC does not establish an attorney-client relationship. This blog should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice for any individual case or situation from an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction.
