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Family Preference Category Visas
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. Understanding where your relative fits in the family structure is often the first and most important step in determining 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 the Coleman Law Group, we assess your family structure, help you determine your eligibility category, and advise on how to proceed 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 (a U.S. citizen or green card holder) must also demonstrate their ability to 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 that your documents are complete, accurate, and organized to meet the standards of USCIS and the National Visa Center.
Our lawyers ensure that all your documents are aligned in a way that not only ensures the required evidence is not questioned, but also that you are well-prepared for the USCIS interview process. This also gives the client a sense of confidence while sitting for the interview.
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
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
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
Our lawyer guides family members seeking permanent residency by ensuring accurate applications and paperwork and providing comprehensive assistance throughout the immigration process.
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
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
The lawyers assist survivors in attaining independent legal status through confidential VAWA petitions, offering support, care, and effective advocacy.
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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the family preference categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4)?
How does a family preference visa differ from an immediate relative visa?
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.
How long will it take to process family preference visas?
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.
Why is there a backlog for family preference visas?
What is a priority date for family preference immigration?
What are the differences between the F2A and the F2B visa categories?
What documents are required when submitting family preference petitions?
What happens when someone processes a family preference visa at a consulate?
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