U.S. Immigrant Visa for Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens (F1)

1. What is the process for applying for an immigrant visa for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen?


The process for applying for an immigrant visa for an unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen consists of the following steps:

1. The U.S. citizen parent must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Once the Form I-130 is approved, the immigrant visa processing can begin at the relevant U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

3. The applicant must submit documents to the relevant U.S. Consulate or Embassy and may be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer.

4. If approved, the applicant will receive notification of approval and will be instructed to pay the correct fees and submit additional documents.

5. After the USCIS has reviewed and approved the application, the applicant will receive a visa to travel to the United States as an immigrant.

2. How old must the son or daughter be in order to qualify for an immigrant visa?


In order to qualify for an immigrant visa, the son or daughter must be under 21 years of age.

3. Does the son or daughter need to go through the consular process to obtain an immigrant visa?


Yes, the son or daughter needs to go through the consular process to obtain an immigrant visa.

4. Are there any special forms that must be completed for the son or daughter’s immigrant visa?


Yes, the son or daughter of a U.S. citizen will need to fill out the DS-260 form, an online Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. This form must be completed and submitted online with all the required documents and information. This form will be used to determine the son or daughter’s eligibility to immigrate to the U.S.

5. Are background checks required for the son or daughter’s immigrant visa application?


Yes, background checks are required for the son or daughter’s immigrant visa application. The U.S. Department of State requires applicants for certain immigrant visas to undergo security and criminal background checks prior to being approved for a visa. The specific type of background check required will depend on the type of visa and where the applicant is located.

6. What documents must be submitted when filing the immigrant visa application?


When applying for an immigrant visa, the applicant must submit the following documents:

• Completed Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application

• Passport-style photos
• Medical examination results
• Police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for more than six months since the age of 16
• Birth certificate
• Marriage and divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Proof of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support)
• Evidence of the required relationship between the petitioning relative and the applicant (e.g., birth, marriage, or adoption certificate)
• Copies of all passports and travel documents
• Evidence of military service in the United States (if applicable)
• Proof of payment of all applicable fees

7. What evidence is needed to demonstrate that the relationship between the son or daughter and their U.S. citizen parent is genuine?


Evidence that can be used to demonstrate the genuine relationship between a son or daughter and their U.S. citizen parent includes copies of birth certificates, photos of them together, evidence of communication, joint financial documents, joint travel documents, and other documents that demonstrate the closeness of the relationship.

8. How long will it take for the son or daughter’s application to be processed?


It typically takes 4-6 weeks for a son or daughter’s application to be processed.

9. Is there a medical examination required prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa?


Yes, all applicants for immigrant visas must have a medical examination conducted by a doctor designated by the U.S. Department of State. The medical exam includes a physical examination, lab tests, and a chest X-ray.

10. Are any additional fees required in order for the son or daughter’s application to be processed?


No, there are no additional fees required for the son or daughter’s application to be processed.

11. What information is necessary to submit supporting documentation such as birth certificates or marriage certificates?


In order to submit supporting documentation such as birth certificates or marriage certificates, the following information is necessary:
– The full legal name of the person(s) on the document
– Their date of birth
– Their place of birth
– Their parents’ names (if applicable)
– Any other relevant information as required by the application or organization requesting the document.

12. Is an interview required for the son or daughter’s immigrant visa application?


Yes, all applicants for immigrant visas must attend an interview with a consular officer. The son or daughter must be present at the interview in order for the application to be processed.

13. What is the process for obtaining a passport, if needed, for travel to the U.S.?


The process for obtaining a passport for travel to the U.S. can vary by country but generally requires the following steps:

1. Check the passport and visa requirements for entering the U.S.

2. Locate the nearest passport office or U.S. embassy and contact them to make an appointment.

3. Gather all the necessary documents and complete the necessary forms (such as a passport application form).

4. Submit your application, passport photo, and supporting documents in person at your appointment.

5. Pay the applicable fees.

6. Await approval and receive your passport in the mail.

14. Is a sponsor needed in order to submit an immigrant visa application on behalf of a son or daughter?


Yes, a sponsor is required in order to submit an immigrant visa application on behalf of a son or daughter. The sponsor must meet certain requirements, including having a certain level of income and must sign an Affidavit of Support.

15. How can I track the progress of my son or daughter’s immigration application?


You can track the progress of your son or daughter’s application using the USCIS case status online. You will need to enter your receipt number, which will be provided when their application is submitted, to receive regular updates on their application status. Additionally, if you are a lawyer representing your son or daughter, you may be able to access their case status on the USCIS e-request website.

16. What types of situations may result in a denial of an immigrant visa application?


The following types of situations may result in a denial of an immigrant visa application:

-If the applicant is considered inadmissible under U.S. immigration law, such as a health-related ground of inadmissibility or a criminal conviction.

-If the applicant fails to meet the eligibility requirements for the visa category they are applying for (for example, not proving that they have an immigrant visa that’s “immediately available” or that their immigrant petition has been approved).

-If the applicant provides false information on their application.

-If the applicant fails to attend their visa interview or provide documents requested by the consular officer.

-If the applicant does not demonstrate and prove that they intend to return to their home country after their stay in the U.S.

17. How can I appeal a denial of an immigrant visa for my son or daughter?


If an immigrant visa is denied, applicants may appeal the denial by filing Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, with the appropriate fee. The filing should be made within 30 days after the date of the denial notice. The appeal should be sent to the USCIS office that issued the denial notice. If an applicant does not appeal within this time period, they may not be able to refile their application. For more information, applicants can visit the USCIS website or call its customer service number at 1-800-375-5283.

18. Are there any restrictions on how long my son or daughter may remain in the U.S.?


Yes. Immigrant children must remain in the U.S. for at least three years before they may apply for permanent residence. They must also maintain lawful status during that time, which requires them to complete all necessary paperwork and to comply with all applicable immigration laws and regulations. After three years, the child may be eligible to apply for permanent residence and to remain in the U.S. indefinitely.

19. Are there any deadlines associated with submitting an application for an immigrant visa for my son or daughter?


The filing deadline for submitting an application for an immigrant visa for a child is generally the day before the child’s 21st birthday. If the child has already passed their 21st birthday, they may still be eligible to apply as a relative if their parent or another qualifying relative has filed an immigrant petition on their behalf.

20. What should I do if I need more information regarding applying for an immigrant visa for my unmarried son/daughter of a U.S. citizen?


You can contact the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center for more information on how to apply for an immigrant visa for your unmarried son/daughter of a U.S. citizen. The National Visa Center’s website can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-3-apply-for-a-visa.html