Preference Relative Immigrant Visas (F1, F2, F3, F4)

1. How long does it take to process a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4)?


The processing time for an immigrant visa for a preference relative (F1, F2, F3, or F4) can vary depending on the individual case. The Department of State’s website states that the processing time of these visas can range from six to nine months or longer.

2. What is the difference between a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4) and a non-preference relative immigrant visa?


Preference relative immigrant visas (F1, F2, F3, F4) are based on a specific preference category that grants preference to close family members, such as unmarried sons and daughters, spouses, and siblings, of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Non-preference relative immigrant visas are for other close family members of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents who do not meet the preference criteria and are not eligible for a preference visa.

3. Who is eligible to apply for a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4)?


The F1 visa is for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. The F2 visa is for the spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of lawful permanent residents. The F3 visa is for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and the F4 visa is for siblings of U.S. citizens. All applicants must meet the requirements for their particular classification and must demonstrate that they have a qualifying relationship to the petitioner in the United States.

4. Are there any fees associated with the preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4) application process?


Yes. Each applicant for a family-based immigrant visa must pay a non-refundable processing fee. The fee is subject to change without notice, so applicants should check with the U.S. Department of State’s website or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for current fees prior to submitting an application.

5. How can I check the status of my preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4) application?


You can check the status of your preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4) application by logging into the Department of State Visa Status Check website at https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx or by calling the National Visa Center at (603) 334-0700.

6. What documents do I need to submit with my preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4) application?


You will need to submit a copy of your birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate (if applicable), police certification, medical examination results, and financial documents. You may also need to submit evidence of your relationship with the qualifying relative, such as photos, letters, and other documents.

7. Does a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4) holder need to obtain a work permit?


No, preference relative immigrant visa holders do not need to obtain a work permit. However, they may be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) which would allow them to work legally in the U.S.

8. Is there an age limit for applying for a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4)?


Yes, there is an age limit for applying for a preference relative immigrant visa. For F1 and F2 visas, the applicant must be 21 years of age or older. For F3 and F4 visas, the applicant must be 18 years of age or older.

9. Are there any other requirements that must be met in order to be issued a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4)?


Yes, in addition to the filing of Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, the foreign national must meet the following criteria:

• Be the beneficiary of a petition filed by an immediate relative (spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen) and have a valid priority date;
• Have a permanent residence visa (green card) available based on the priority date;
• Meet all medical, security, legal, and other requirements of the U.S. immigration laws;
• Have an approved immigrant visa application (Form I-485); and
• Attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

10. Is there an income requirement for obtaining a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4)?


No, there is no income requirement for obtaining a preference relative immigrant visa. However, the sponsor of the immigrant must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support the relative.

11. Is there an interview process involved in obtaining a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4)?


Yes, all applicants for a preference relative immigrant visa must attend an in-person interview with a consular officer.

12. Can I bring my family members with me if I am granted a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4)?


Yes, you can bring your family members with you if you are granted a preference relative immigrant visa. Your family members can be issued visas in the same visa categories as you and can travel with you or follow to join at a later date.

13. How many times can I enter the US with a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4)?


With a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4), you can enter the US once and will be granted permanent resident status upon entry.

14. Is there an annual limit on the number of preference relative immigrant visas (F1, F2, F3, F4) issued?


Yes, there is an annual limit on the number of preference relative immigrant visas issued each year. The cap varies depending on the category, but in general, no more than 226,000 preference relative immigrant visas can be issued in any given year.

15. How long is the validity period for a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2 ,F3 ,F4)?


The validity period for a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4) is valid indefinitely, unless the visa expires or there is a change in the applicant’s non-immigrant status.

16. Are there any restrictions on employment or travel when using a preference relative immigrant visa (F1 ,F2 ,F3 ,F4)?


Yes, there are restrictions on employment and travel when using a preference relative immigrant visa. F1, F2, F3, and F4 visas are non-immigrant visas, meaning the holder cannot use them to work or permanently settle in the United States. Holders of these visas must also maintain a permanent residence abroad and may not stay in the U.S. for more than 6 months at a time without obtaining a special extension. Those with an F1 visa may engage in certain types of employment related to their studies if approved by the school and the USCIS.

17. Can I apply for permanent residence status after arriving in the US on a preference relative immigrant visa (F1 ,F2 ,F3 ,F4)?


Yes, you can apply for permanent residence status after arriving in the US on a preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4). The process to do so is known as Adjustment of Status. To be eligible for this process, you must meet certain requirements including having a valid visa, being in the US legally, and having an immigrant visa petition filed by an eligible family member (such as your spouse or parent).

18. Is it possible to extend the validity of my preference relative immigrant visa (F1 ,F2 ,F3 ,F4) if it expires while I am in the US?


Yes, it is possible to extend the validity of your preference relative immigrant visa if it expires while you are in the US. You must complete Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status and submit it to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must also provide evidence that the extensi

19. What happens if I fail to use my preference relative immigrant visa (F1 ,F2 ,F3 ,F4) within the validity period?


If you fail to use your preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, or F4) within the validity period, the visa will expire and you must apply for a new one. Additionally, you will need to start the entire visa application process again, including paying all fees and submitting the necessary forms.

20. Are there any additional requirements or restrictions on using a preference relative immigrant visa (F1 ,F2 ,F3 ,F4) that I should be aware of?


Yes. You must meet all the requirements of the U.S. Department of State regarding the preference relative immigrant visa (F1, F2, F3, F4). These include: being an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen; having a qualifying relationship to the qualifying U.S. citizen relative; having a valid passport; and being admissible to the United States. Additionally, you must be able to provide proof of financial support from your relative sponsor and provide documentation to demonstrate that the relationship is legitimate (marriage or birth certificates).