US Family Visa

Types of US Family Visa

• Fast and unlimited family visa
• Preference and limited family visa
• Marriage family visa (CR)

US family visa – Immediate and unlimited relatives (IR)

This type of visa is for those who have a close family relationship with a US citizen, such as a spouse, child or parents.

This type of visa is itself divided into five types:

• IR-1 family visa: For the spouse of a US citizen (provided that more than two years have passed since their marriage; for less than two years a CR visa will be issued.)
• IR-2 family visa: For unmarried children under 21 of a US citizen.
• IR-3 family visa: For an orphan adopted by a US citizen outside the United States.
• IR-4 family visa: For an orphan adopted by a US citizen within the United States.
• IR-5 family visa: For the parents of a US citizen who is at least 21 years old.

US family visa: preference and limited (F)

This type of visa is for those who have a particular, and perhaps relatively distant, family relationship with a US citizen, or a specific relationship with a US resident (Green Card holder).

It is worth noting that a US citizen may apply for a preference and limited (F) US family visa for their spouse, unmarried or married child, parents, and brother and sister, whereas a US resident (Green Card holder) may only apply for this type of visa for their spouse and unmarried children.

This US family visa, i.e. type F, is also divided into 4 types according to preference:

• F1 family visa: First preference, for unmarried children of a US citizen (up to a cap of 23400 visas per fiscal year)
• F2 family visa:Second preference (up to a cap of 114200 visas per fiscal year), which is divided into the following two types:
  • F2A family visa: For the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a Green Card holder (at least 77 percent of F2 visa capacity is in this category)
  • F2B family visa: For unmarried children over 21 of a Green Card holder.
• F3 family visa: Third preference, for married children of US citizens (up to a cap of 23400 visas per fiscal year)
• F4 family visa: Fourth preference, for brothers and sisters of a US citizen, provided that the US citizen is at least 21 years old. (up to a cap of 65000 visas per fiscal year)

Difference between the IR and F

• The administrative steps, obtaining a Green Card and immigrating to the United States with the US family visa of type IR take less time than with the US family visa of type F.
• The number of IR visas issued in each fiscal year is unlimited, but the capacity for issuing F visas in each fiscal year is limited.
• Married children of US citizens can immigrate to the United States only through the IR visa.

US family visa: CR

The CR family visa is a type of US immigrant visa that is in fact the same as the US marriage visa. This type of visa is issued to the spouse of a US citizen and their children only on condition that less than two years have passed since their marriage to the US citizen. It has the following two types:

• CR1 family visa: For the spouse of a US citizen where less than two years have passed since their marriage.
• CR2 family visa: For the child under 21 of the spouse of a US citizen (i.e. the stepchild of the US citizen), provided that their parent's marriage to the US citizen took place before they turned 18.

Process of obtaining the US family visa

• Completing Form I-130 for the person they intend to bring to the United States, at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services office (USCIS).
• Completion of the sponsorship form by the US citizen or resident
• Receiving approval from USCIS
• Sending the approval to the National Visa Center (NVC)
• Assignment of a case number by the NVC
• Completion of Form DS-261 (choice of address and agent) by the applicant
• Initial review of the applicant's case
• Payment of the required fees
• Sending the documents required for the immigrant visa (including: affidavit of support, application forms, identity documents, etc.) to the NVC
• Scheduling the interview
• Obtaining the US family visa

Cost of obtaining the US family visa

The applicant is required to pay fees for the following services:

• Filing an immigrant petition for a relative (Form I-130)
• Processing the immigrant visa application (Form DS-260)
• Medical examinations and vaccinations
• Other incidental costs, such as photocopying, the cost of obtaining the documents required for the immigrant visa application (such as a passport, police certificate, etc.) and the cost of travel to the US embassy or consulate for your visa interview.

The fee for Form I-130 and filing is 860 US dollars. It is worth noting that the fees for US visas are not fixed, applicants of any age must pay the fees, and these fees are non-refundable.

Documents required for the US family visa

• Passport
• Sponsorship form
• Form DS-260 and its confirmation
• Photograph
• Official identification and identity documents (such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, police certificate, etc.)
• Vaccinations and medical examination results

Waiting time for approval of Form I-130

Usually most Form I-130 petitions for immediate relatives (IR family visa) will be approved within 5 to 9 months, but in some cases it may take longer.

In the table below we describe the waiting time for obtaining the US family visa depending on its type:

Validity period of the US family visa

The US family visa is issued with 6 months' validity. In fact, family visa holders have up to six months to use their visa and must enter the United States within this period. The important point is that people cannot leave the United States before receiving their US Green Card.

In this article we have examined immigration to the United States through the family visa. Because it is open to immigration, welcomes immigrants and offers ideal opportunities for them, the United States has become an attractive destination for those interested in immigrating. We also learned in this article that the family unit is regarded as an important principle in the United States, which is why the US embassy issues family visas of various types and conditions. So if you too intend to immigrate to the United States with your family, our suggestion is to contact the experienced consultants of Iranoca Immigration Marketing Company so that you can bring about a pleasant immigration experience for yourself and your family.

If you need consultation, you can meet our consultants in person or online and learn about the process of obtaining your US family visa. You can also, right now, through our free assessment form, which is managed by expert consultants, review your eligibility for this type of visa.

Steps for obtaining the US family visa

Dear applicant, if you wish to obtain the US family visa, please follow the steps below

Assessment form and consultation

First, by completing the free assessment form, you can send your initial circumstances and details for review by the lawyers. If your general circumstances are suitable, a call time will be scheduled for your consultation. It should be noted that this entire process is free of charge and is reviewed and assessed by specialists

Receiving the confirmation letter

After the consultation and completion of the immigration file process, a letter of approval or non-approval will be sent to you by the licensed lawyers. This letter specifies whether or not you are eligible to immigrate, the type of immigration visa, and the route and conditions through which you can immigrate.

Registration in Obtaining the visa Frequently asked questions some users have had about the US family visa