F Visa Categories Explained: From F1 to F4 for Family Reunification

Overview 

Reuniting with loved ones is one of the most meaningful reasons to navigate the U.S. immigration system. If you’re a U.S. citizen or green card holder, the F visa categories allow you to sponsor certain family members for lawful permanent residency. 

But each F visa type F1, F2A, F2B, F3, and F4 has specific rules, eligibility requirements, and wait times. Understanding the differences is the first step in successfully bringing your family together. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what each F visa category means, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect in terms of timelines and challenges. 

What Are F Visas and Who Are They For? 

F visas fall under the Family Preference category of U.S. immigration. They allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor more distant relatives beyond the “Immediate Relative” group (spouses, parents, and children under 21). 

Unlike Immediate Relative visas, F category visas are subject to annual numerical limits, which leads to long waiting periods, especially for applicants from high-demand countries like Mexico, India, and the Philippines. 

Understanding the F Visa Categories 

F1 Visa – Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21+) of U.S. Citizens 

If you’re a U.S. citizen and have an unmarried adult child (over 21), you can sponsor them under the F1 visa category. 

Eligibility at a glance: 

• • Sponsor: U.S. citizen (21+) 

• • Beneficiary: Unmarried child age 21 or older 

• • Children of the beneficiary (your grandchildren) can be included 

This category has long wait times. For example, as of mid-2025, F1 applicants from the Philippines may wait over 10 years for a visa to become available. 

F2 Visa – Spouses and Children of Green Card Holders 

F2 visas are for family members of lawful permanent residents. 

There are two subcategories: 

• • F2A – Spouses and children under 21 

• • F2B – Unmarried children 21 or older 

F2A often has shorter wait times; sometimes the visa is “current,” meaning processing can begin as soon as the I-130 is approved. F2B, however, involves significantly longer queues. 

Important Tip: If your child turns 21 while waiting, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) might allow them to stay in the F2A category. Timing and legal advice are key. 

F3 Visa – Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens 

This category covers your married adult children and their spouses and children. 

Quick facts: 

• • Sponsor: U.S. citizen (21+) 

• • Beneficiary: Married son or daughter (any age) 

• • Their spouse and minor kids can be included 

F3 visas typically come with extended wait periods often over 10 years, depending on your family member’s country of origin. Be prepared for a long journey and consider maintaining updated documentation throughout the process. 

F4 Visa – Siblings of U.S. Citizens 

F4 is for sponsoring your brothers and sisters, provided you’re a U.S. citizen over 21. 

This is one of the most backlogged categories, particularly for applicants from India, Mexico, and the Philippines, where the wait can exceed 15 years. 

Eligibility: 

• • U.S. citizen sponsor must be 21 or older 

• • Beneficiary can include their spouse and children under 21 

While the process is long, it remains one of the few legal routes for siblings to reunite under U.S. immigration law. 

How Priority Dates and the Visa Bulletin Work 

When you file an I-130 petition, you receive a priority date for your place in line. That date becomes current when visas in your category and country become available. 

Each month, the U.S. Department of State publishes a Visa Bulletin, which shows: 

• • Final Action Dates – When visas can be issued 

• • Dates for Filing – When applicants can submit paperwork early 

You can track your family’s place in line by checking the bulletin here. 

Family Preference Visas vs Immediate Relative Visas 

Immediate Relative visas (for spouses, parents, and under-21 unmarried children of U.S. citizens) have no annual cap. That means no wait based on category processing begins as soon as the petition is approved. 

F visas, however, are numerically limited each year. This results in long backlogs, especially in categories like F3 and F4. 

If your family member might qualify as an Immediate Relative (e.g., your spouse or underage child), always explore that option first. 

Step-by-Step Guide to the F Visa Process 

1. 1. File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) 

Include supporting documents (proof of relationship, legal status, etc.) 

2. 2. USCIS Processes and Approves the Petition 

You receive an approval notice, and your priority date is set 

3. 3. Wait for the Priority Date to Become Current 

Track the Visa Bulletin monthly 

4. 4. Begin Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status 

If abroad: File with the National Visa Center (NVC) and prepare for embassy interview 

If in the U.S.: File Form I-485 when eligible 

5. 5. Attend Interview and Await Decision 

Be prepared with updated documents, affidavits of support, and medical exams. 

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them 

• • Aging Out: If your child turns 21, CSPA might help but timing matters. Track birthdays and process timelines carefully. 

• • Marital Status Changes: If a beneficiary marries before green card issuance, they may move into a different, less favorable category or become ineligible (for F2A). 

• • Document Errors: Missing or inconsistent details in forms or birth records can delay or derail your petition. 

• • Missed Updates: If you move or change email addresses, update USCIS and NVC to avoid missed notices. 

Tips to Manage Long Wait Times