The Coleman Law Group

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Family Preference Category Visas

At the Coleman Law Group, we make sure that the process of the family preference visa is as easy for you as possible. Our experienced family preference visa lawyers help individuals and families figure out the complicated process of visa application.

Defining Family Preference Category Visas

Family preference category visas are for family members or relatives of citizens and lawful permanent residents who do not fall into the immediate relative category. Family preference visas are limited each year, which means applicants are assigned to these categories depending on the need for visas and priority dates. An understanding of where your relative fits in the family structure is often the first and most important step in laying out your family’s way forward.
The four primary preference categories are as follows:
F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (21+ years of age)
F2A: Spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents (under 21 years of age)
F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents (21+ years of age)
F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S.A. citizens
F4: Siblings of adult United States of America citizens

At Coleman Law Group, we assess your family structure, assist you in determining your eligibility category, and determine how to move forward from there.

Family Preference Visa Requirements

Each category carries its own eligibility rules, but all family preference visas require clear proof of the qualifying relationship and compliance with immigration laws. Applicants must submit evidence such as birth certificates, marriage records, identification documents, and proof of family ties. The petitioning relative (the U.S. citizen or green card holder) must also show they can financially support the beneficiary through the required Affidavit of Support.

The process can be slow, especially for categories with long waiting lines, but a well-prepared petition helps avoid unnecessary delays. As your family preference visa lawyer, we ensure your documents are complete, accurate, and organized to meet USCIS and National Visa Center standards.

Our lawyers make sure that all your documents are aligned in such a way that not only is the evidence required not questioned, but also you are well prepared for the interview process by the USCIS. This also gives the client a sense of confidence while sitting for the interview.
Family Preference Visa Requirements
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Required Documents for Family Preference Visas

All family preference visas have categories with specific eligibility rules. However, every family preference visa has some universal requirements. Each visa category requires verifiable proof of the qualifying relationship, as well as compliance with other U.S. immigration rules and laws. Applicants will need to provide documentation. Upon petitioning, evidence could include birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of identification, and documentation showing proof of relationship to the U.S. citizen or green card holder.

Each case is unique, and document requirements may be modified based on the specific case. Nonetheless, most family preference visa petitions require similar documentation as follows:
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence
  • The beneficiary’s birth or adoption certificate
  • Marriage or divorce certificate(s)
  • Evidence of the relationship that it is ongoing
  • Passport-sized photograph(s)
  • Evidence of financial capability, along with an Affidavit of Support documentation
Missing or incorrect documentation of your family preference visa petition is one of the more common reasons that family preference visa petitions are delayed or returned.

Why Choose Coleman Law Group?

The best option for an immigration lawyer can completely change your entire immigration case. It can help you clarify and gain more confidence in the process, allowing you to have more options moving forward and pave a clearer path to your immigration goals.

At Coleman Law Group, we provide every client with complete, thorough immigration guidance, complete, well-prepared documentation, and a tailored strategy that meets the unique character of your case. We emphasize the importance of accuracy, transparency, and open and consistent communication, ensuring that our clients are never left in the dark or uncertain about their case or the entire process.

Every client’s case is prepared with the utmost attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of the expectations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Our team of immigration lawyers will work with you to ensure that your case is prepared properly and presented in the most favorable manner possible so that you have complete confidence in your case.

How is the Coleman Law Group helping you

We ensure that each case is handled with outstanding attention at The Coleman Law Group

Listen Carefully

In reviewing your case, our attorneys will evaluate it from all perspectives to provide the most informed guidance.

Use Legal Approaches

In fighting your case, our lawyers use proven methods to ensure compliance with legal standards.

Ensuring Complete Transparency

Throughout your case, our attorneys provide clarity, support, and the guidance you need for confidence and peace of mind.

Payment Plans

Enjoy flexible payment plans for our immigration services.

Our Practice Areas

Family-Based-Immigration

Family-Based Immigration

Our lawyer brings families together by leading petitions, overcoming challenges, and ensuring that loved ones can easily obtain lawful entry or residence.

Family-Based-Green-Card

Family Based Green Card

Our lawyer guides family members seeking permanent residency by ensuring accurate applications and paperwork and providing comprehensive assistance throughout the immigration process.

Humanitarian Relief

Humanitarian Relief

The Coleman Law Group assists those in need to pursue humanitarian programs that aim to achieve safety, stability, and judicial security.

Citizenship-Naturalization

Citizenship & Naturalization

The clients also assist the approved immigrants in the naturalization process, whereby immigration lawyers prepare the necessary forms, evidence, and questionnaires to facilitate a smooth change in their citizenship status.

Vawa Self Petitions

Vawa Self Petitions

The lawyers assist survivors in attaining independent legal status through confidential VAWA petitions, offering support, care, and effective advocacy.

Employment Based

Employment Based

Our immigration lawyer assists employers and visa professionals in compliance, documentation, strategic planning, and development of safe, long-term workforce access.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Here are just a few of the real stories from families we’ve helped reunite through
our immigration services.

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Navigate
Complex U.S. State Immigration Laws

Specialized immigration attorneys are dedicated to guiding families and individuals through every aspect of the immigration legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the family preference categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4)?
These categories are as follows: F1 (unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens), F2A (spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents), F2B (unmarried adult children of permanent residents), F3 (married children of U.S. citizens), and F4 (siblings of U.S. citizens).

Immediate relative visas have no cap on annual numbers or a waiting backlog, whereas family preference visas have an annual limit imposed, meaning applicants can wait years for a visa to be available. 

Processing time varies widely between countries and categories and can range from several months to several years, depending upon priority dates and the movement of the visa bulletin. 

These categories have strict annual limits each year. So, each year there is demand for a number of visas that exceeds the number available, which results in long waiting periods.
The priority date is the date that USCIS receives your I-130 petition and establishes your place in line; when your priority date is “current,” your visa is available.
The F2A visa category is for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. lawful permanent residents, while the F2B visa category is for unmarried sons and daughters 21 years of age and older of U.S. lawful permanent residents.
Required documents usually include proof of the petitioner’s status, birth or marriage certificates, proof of relationship of the beneficiary, passport-style photos, and the Affidavit of Support.
The applicant fills out forms, submits civil and financial documentation, submits to a medical examination, and attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate, where approval is given.

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