United States•North AmericaF1 — Family First Preference (F1)
At a Glance
6 months – 100 years
Varies by processing route
USD $2,945–$2,995
Varies by filing options
Indefinite
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Living in United States
Overview
Unmarried adult sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens. Subject to annual numerical limit.
The F1 is a US family-based immigrant visa granting lawful permanent residence to unmarried sons and daughters aged 21 or older of US citizens. Subject to an annual cap of 23,400 visas plus any unused Family Fourth Preference numbers, it is governed by monthly Visa Bulletin priority dates.
Processing takes several years for most countries, with 20+ year waits for Mexico and the Philippines due to per-country demand. The petitioner must be a US citizen who meets the 125% poverty income threshold ($27,050 for a household of two). Minor children of the beneficiary may join as derivatives.
This visa is ideal for unmarried adult children of US citizens who accept multi-year waits in exchange for a permanent green card and a path to naturalization.
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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| I-130 petition (USCIS) | 6 months – 2 years |
| Total process — most countries (excl. Mexico/Philippines) | 5–20 years |
| Total process — Mexico | 20–100 years |
| Total process — Philippines | 20–75 years |
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Annual Cap & Quota
23,400 visas per year, plus any unused visas from the Family Fourth Preference (F4) category
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen
Beneficiary must be an unmarried son or daughter age 21 or older
Proof of qualifying parent-child relationship (birth certificate or equivalent)
Petitioner must meet income threshold of 125% of federal poverty level (Form I-864)
Beneficiary must remain unmarried throughout entire application process
Beneficiary must be admissible to the United States
Priority date must be current per monthly Visa Bulletin before immigrant visa can be issued
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
27,050 USD/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
Petitioner's proof of U.S. citizenship (U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate)
Birth certificate proving parent-child relationship
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) with petitioner's most recent tax returns and financial documentation
Proof of unmarried status (divorce decrees if previously married)
Police certificates from all countries where beneficiary has resided for 6+ months since age 16
Medical examination results
Two passport-style photos
Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended entry date)
Civil documents (e.g., name change records if applicable)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Grants lawful permanent residence (green card) — no expiration on status
- Unrestricted employment authorization anywhere in the U.S.
- Qualifying to apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residence
- No job offer required
- Derivative beneficiaries (spouse and unmarried children under 21 of the beneficiary) may be included on the same petition
Worth Knowing
- Extremely long wait times — decades for oversubscribed countries such as Mexico and Philippines
- Beneficiary must remain unmarried; marriage at any point before visa issuance terminates F1 qualification (though may allow reclassification to F3)
- Annual numerical cap of approximately 23,400 visas limits availability and creates backlogs
- Priority date is the I-130 filing date and must be current on Visa Bulletin before immigrant visa is issued
- Change in petitioner's citizenship status can affect the petition
- Adjustment of status inside the U.S. requires maintenance of lawful immigration status
- Significant backlog — multi-year wait
Application Process
U.S. citizen petitioner files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS
Wait for I-130 approval (typically 6 months to 2 years)
Monitor monthly Visa Bulletin for priority date to become current
National Visa Center (NVC) sends fee and document instructions when date is current
Pay fees and submit supporting documents to NVC
Complete Form DS-260 (immigrant visa application) online via CEAC portal
Schedule and attend consular interview at U.S. embassy/consulate abroad, OR file Form I-485 if already in the U.S. in valid status
Complete medical examination by a USCIS-approved panel physician
Attend immigrant visa interview
Receive immigrant visa stamp; travel to U.S. and receive green card by mail
Application Forms
Go to application portal| I-130 Petition for Alien Relative | Fill online |
| DS-260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application | Fill online |
| I-864 Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA | Fill online |
| I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Fill online |
| I-693 Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in United States
Family visas in other countries
- Refugee Family Support Resident Visa
New Zealand
- Join Family (Long Stay D Visa)
Ireland
- Dependent Permit
Belize
Living in United States
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