The F-1 visa is a family preference visa for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens who are over the age of 21. Unlike immediate relative visas, the F-1 visa falls under the family-based immigration system, meaning it is subject to annual visa limits and may have longer pro-cessing times due to visa quotas. The application process begins when the U.S. citizen parent files a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition establishes the family relationship between the U.S. citizen and their adult child, and once approved, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
Once the NVC receives the approved petition, the next step is for the foreign applicant to com-plete the Form DS-260, the immigrant visa application. In addition to the visa application, the unmarried son or daughter must submit required documentation, including a birth certificate, proof of the parent-child relationship, and police records if applicable. The applicant will also need to undergo a medical examination by an approved physician to meet U.S. health require-ments. After submitting the necessary documents and completing the application, the applicant will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Dur-ing the interview, a consular officer will verify the documents, confirm eligibility, and assess the applicant’s immigration history.
If the consular officer approves the F-1 visa, the applicant will be issued an immigrant visa, allowing them to travel to the United States. Upon arrival, they will be granted lawful perma-nent resident status and receive their Green Card. Since the F-1 visa is subject to annual quotas, there may be waiting periods depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the current demand for visas in the family preference category. It is essential for applicants to monitor processing times and ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays. Seeking professional legal assistance can be beneficial to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
