F2B Visa (Family Preference Visa) | Requirements & Process (2024)

To be eligible for an F2B Visa, your immediate family members need to meet the legal definition of “child”. They can still be 21 years old, but they must be unmarried. If they get married before the petition is approved, their application will be revoked. If your children are under the age of 21, they can also fall into theF2A visa categoryfor dependents of U.S. permanent residents.

Once they get their visa, your children will be allowed to live, study and work in the U.S. as permanent residents.

Every month, the Department of State issues the F2B Visa bulletin.

This document defines the terms and the deadline for applying from foreign countries. It also helps you estimate your F2B Visa remaining processing time. Once you file your I-130 petition, you will be able to check your status and your place in the waiting line.

The FB2 Visa application process follows the same timeline as other family-based visas.

Once your I-130 petition is approved, your adult child will receive further instructions. However, if the cap for this year is reached, you must wait until you are in line for the next set, meaning you must wait another year.

When the date on your visa date becomes current, you will be able to proceed with your application. This means that your petition has been processed and that there is no more waiting time for your category. Your child must then file the online Form DS-260.

The last step before you can get your visa is the interview. It will take place at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, and it is a crucial part of your application. Your F2B Visa interview questions will primarily be about your intention once in the U.S.

You will need several documents and evidence to support your F2B Visa application, such as:

  • A valid passport for every applicant adult child;
  • The Form DS-260 confirmation page;
  • Medical check-ups and vaccination evidence;
  • Your children birth certificate or adoption certificate;
  • You and your child’s court and criminal records.

After turning 21, your unmarried son or daughter will still meet the legal definition of “child”. However, he or she will not be considered part of your immediate family anymore.

The number of children over 21 allowed in the country under the F2B category is considerably small. Thus, F2B Visa processing time can even take longer.

Although there are a few cases of applicants waiting many years for their visa, usually this process takes an average of 2 years. While you wait until your application date becomes current, your lawyer will still be supporting you. Together, you will check the F2B Visa bulletin to be ready to proceed with your application process as soon as possible.

Every U.S. Embassy or Consulate can set the cost for biometric services and medical examinations. The final amount of fees you will need to pay to proceed with your application may vary.

You will be asked to pay a fee for the following services and steps of your application:

  • Petition form I-130;
  • Form DS-260;
  • USCIS Immigrant Fee (to be paid after you receive your visa);
  • Medical and biometric fees.

Right now, it is faster to apply for an F2B visa than an F1 visa. While this is the case currently, this can change, and as such, it is always best to check the Department of State’s monthly visa bulletin for updates and progress on the different visa options available for the US.

If the USCIS denies your petition, they will send you an explanation of their decision. You will then be able to adjust your application and submit your request again. However, this may jeopardize your petition, and delay your F2B visa processing time.

Our lawyers are experienced in applying for Family Preference Visas and are ready to support your application.

Our services include:

  • Liaising with you and your children;
  • Checking the annual F2B Visa bulletin;
  • Reviewing if your documents are adequate to support your application;
  • Liaising with the NVC and the USCIS;
  • Completing your petition and all your application forms.

If you are seeking legal support for your visa application, get in touch today on +1844 290 6312.

F2B Visa (Family Preference Visa) | Requirements & Process (2024)
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