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Family Preference Category Visas in St. Petersburg

Family Preference Category Visas in St. Petersburg

Helping Families Stay Connected Across Borders with Family Immigration Services from Coleman Law Group

Family preference category visas offer a pathway for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to reunite with qualifying family members. At Coleman Law Group, our experienced immigration lawyers, bilingual in Spanish and English, in St. Petersburg, are committed to guiding families through the complex visa application process, helping them navigate immigration law, and securing immigrant visas efficiently.

> Get help with family preference category visas in St. Petersburg.

Family Preference Category Visas
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Family Preference Visas Made Easy

Family preference visas allow certain relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents to move to the U.S. These visas have yearly limits. This means that there can be longer wait times.

There are four categories of visas: F1, F2, F3, and F4. You can apply for these based on your relationship to the family member sponsoring you.

At Coleman Law Group, we make family preference category visas in St. Petersburg easy.

Bilingual Lawyers for Family Preference Category Visas in St. Petersburg

We understand how difficult it can be to get the legal help you need if you do not speak English. That is why we proudly offer our legal services in both English and Spanish.
  • The Coleman Law Group team is fluent in English and Spanish.
  • This allows us to help more people in St. Petersburg get family preference category visas.
> Speak to a bilingual attorney at Coleman Law Group.
Family Preference Category Visas

Understanding Family Preference Category Visas

Family Preference Visas Overview

  • Designed for relatives of U.S. citizens and green card holders who don’t qualify as immediate relatives.
  • Granted based on a preference system with numerical limits placed on the number of visas issued annually.
  • Due to these limits, applicants may experience wait times while waiting for a visa to become available.

How Our Immigration Lawyers Help

  • Ensure every step of the process is handled with precision.
  • Assist with filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
  • Monitor the Visa Bulletin for immigrant visa number availability.
  • Guide families through consular processing or adjustment of status.
Visa application form

What Are Family Preference Visas?

Family preference visas are reserved for qualifying family members who meet specific criteria under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Unlike immediate relative visas:
  • These categories are subject to numerical caps, which limit the number of immigrant visas issued each year.
At Coleman Law Group, we support families throughout St. Petersburg and Florida, ensuring petitions are completed accurately and guiding you through every stage of the immigration process.

The Four Family Preference Categories

Family preference visas are grouped into four categories based on the relationship between the petitioner and the family member:

1. First Preference (F1)

For unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children. This category has an annual limit of 23,400 visas.

2. Second Preference (F2A & F2B)

F2A visas are for spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.


F2B visas are for unmarried sons and daughters (over the age of 21) of lawful permanent residents. Together, these categories have an annual limit of 114,200 visas.

3. Third Preference (F3)

For married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, including their spouses and minor children. A total of 23,400 visas are issued each year.

4. Fourth Preference (F4)

For brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, along with their spouses and minor children. The petitioner must be at least 21 years old, with 65,000 visas issued annually.

Navigating the Family Preference Visa Process in St. Petersburg

The family preference visa process involves multiple steps, each of which can be challenging to navigate without professional support. Our attorneys will help you:

    1. Filing Form I-130: Establish the family relationship by accurately completing and submitting the petition to USCIS.
    2. Visa Availability and Priority Date: Monitor the National Visa Center Visa Bulletin to track when an immigrant visa number becomes available based on your priority date.
    3. Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status: Depending on whether your family member is inside or outside the U.S., we guide you through consular processing or help with filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status.
    4. Visa Interview and Approval: Prepare for the visa interview to ensure your family member meets all requirements and receives approval.
    5. Green Card Issuance: Once the immigrant visa petition is approved, your family member can receive a green card and become a lawful permanent resident.
Visa application form

Why Choose Coleman Law Group?

Families throughout St. Petersburg and the state of Florida trust Coleman Law Group for comprehensive support during the family-based immigration process. When you work with us, you benefit from:
  1. Our attorneys specialize in family preference visas and have deep knowledge of immigration law.
  2. We tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of your family.
  3. We handle all required documentation, ensuring everything is completed properly to avoid delays.
  4. You’ll receive ongoing updates about your immigration case, visa availability, and USCIS processing times.
  5. We provide all our services in English and Spanish, making the process accessible to more families.
Reuniting Families Through Immigration

Family Preference Visa Services in St. Petersburg

Our team offers a full range of immigration services, including:

1. Filing Form I-130

Assistance in preparing and submitting the petition for alien relatives.

2. Visa Bulletin Monitoring

Tracking the priority date and visa number availability to keep your case moving forward.

3. Adjustment of Status

Helping family members in the U.S. apply for lawful permanent resident status.

4. Consular Processing

Guiding relatives through the consular processing steps at U.S. embassies abroad.

5. Green Card Applications

Comprehensive support for obtaining green cards under the family preference categories.

What to Expect During the Family Preference Visa Process

When you work with Coleman Law Group, you can expect the application process for family preference visas to go like this:
  1. Petition Filing: Submit Form I-130 with all supporting documents to USCIS.
  2. Visa Availability: We wait for an immigrant visa to become available based on your priority date and category.
  3. Interview Preparation: We ensure your family member is ready for their visa interview with USCIS or a U.S. consulate.
  4. Green Card Issuance: Once approved, your family member can live and work in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

Coleman Law Group Serves St. Petersburg Families

Our attorneys understand the importance of reuniting families and are dedicated to providing the guidance and support you need. Whether you’re filing a petition for an immediate relative or navigating the complexities of family preference categories, we’re here to help.

Contact our experienced immigration lawyers in St. Petersburg today to begin the process of bringing your family together legally and efficiently.

> Help your family members achieve US citizenship; give us a call today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Family preference visas are for certain relatives of U.S. citizens and green card holders and are subject to annual numerical caps. Immediate relative visas are for spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens, with no visa limits.

The wait time depends on the preference category and the number of visas available. Priority dates determine when a visa becomes available.

Yes, if you become a U.S. citizen while your petition is pending, your family member may qualify for an immediate relative visa, which has no wait time for visa availability.

In some cases, you may request humanitarian reinstatement of the petition. Speak with an immigration lawyer to explore your options.