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Family First Preference visa

Family First Preference visa

The F31 visa, also known as the Family First Preference visa, is a type of visa for family-based immigration to the United States. The F31 visa is specifically for unmarried children over the age of 21 who are the sons or daughters of U.S. citizens.

The F31 visa is part of the family-based preference category of visas, which means that there are annual limits on the number of visas that can be issued in this category. This can result in longer processing times and wait times for F31 visa applicants.

To apply for an F31 visa, the U.S. citizen parent must file a petition on behalf of their unmarried child with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

The NVC will request additional documentation from the applicant, including biographical information, civil documents, and financial support documents. The applicant will also need to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

If the F31 visa is approved, the beneficiary can enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Once in the United States, the beneficiary will receive a green card and can live and work in the United States permanently.

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Shot of a mother and father standing in front of their adult children on the stairs

Who is eligible for an F31 visa?

To be eligible for an F31 visa, the following requirements must be met:
  1. The beneficiary must be an unmarried child of a U.S. citizen.
  2. The beneficiary must be over the age of 21.
  3. The beneficiary must have a U.S. citizen parent who is at least 21 years old and can provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
It is important to note that the F31 visa is part of the family-based preference category of visas, which means that there are annual limits on the number of visas that can be issued in this category. This can result in longer processing times and wait times for F31 visa applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process an F31 visa application?

The processing time for an F31 visa application can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications received by USCIS, the complexity of the case, and the workload of the U.S. embassy or consulate. As of March 2023, the estimated processing time for an F31 visa is approximately 6 to 12 months.

Can my child bring dependents with them on an F31 visa?

No, dependents cannot accompany your child on an F31 visa.

Can my child become a U.S. citizen with an F31 visa?

Yes, your child can become a U.S. citizen through naturalization if they meet the eligibility requirements, including residency and physical presence requirements.

What Fees are associated with filing for an F31 Visa?

There are several fees associated with an F31 Family First Preference visa. The fees may vary based on the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa interview will take place. The fees include: Filing fee: $535. This fee must be paid to USCIS when the petition is filed. Immigrant visa application fee: $325. This fee must be paid to the U.S. Department of State when the visa application is submitted to the National Visa Center. Affidavit of support fee: $120. This fee must be paid to the National Visa Center when the affidavit of support is submitted. Medical examination and related costs: Costs for the required medical examination and related costs will vary based on the location of the exam and the specific requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate. Biometric fee: $85. This fee is required for all applicants for an F31 visa who are over the age of 14. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and are current as of March 2023. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with the F31 visa application process, such as transportation, passport fees, and translation or notarization of documents.

If the Family First Preference visa isn't right for your situation,

Check out our other immigration options, or speak to an On-Call Attorney to find the best route for you.

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