The Family First Preference (F1) Visa for Unmarried Sons and Daughters Explained
What is the F1 Visa?
The Family First Preference (F1) visa is a type of immigrant visa that allows unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens to live and work in the United States permanently. The F1 visa is also known as an “immediate relative” visa because it does not have any numerical limits on how many visas can be issued each year.
In order to qualify for an F1 visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being unmarried, having a valid passport, and having a qualifying relationship with a US citizen parent. Applicants must also demonstrate that they are admissible to the United States by passing a background check.
Who is Eligible for an F1 Visa?
In order to be eligible for an F1 visa, applicants must meet certain criteria. They must be unmarried sons or daughters of US citizens who are at least 21 years old.
Applicants must also have a valid passport and demonstrate that they are admissible to the United States by passing a background check. Additionally, applicants must prove that they have strong ties to their home country and intend to return there after their stay in the United States.
How to Apply for an F1 Visa
The first step in applying for an F1 visa is to complete Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form must be completed by the US citizen parent of the applicant and submitted to U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once USCIS approves Form I-130, the applicant can then proceed with applying for their F1 visa.
The next step in applying for an F1 visa is completing Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. This form must be completed online through USA ESTA. After submitting Form DS-260, applicants will need to schedule an interview at their local U.S embassy or consulate.
What Happens After Applying?
After submitting all required documents and attending their interview at the U.S embassy or consulate, applicants will receive notification from USCIS regarding their application status within 3-4 months.
If approved, applicants will receive their immigrant visa packet which includes instructions on how to enter the United States as a permanent resident. Upon arrival in the United States, applicants will need to complete Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status in order to obtain their green card.