F1 - Unmarried Adult Children of Citizens
The F1 category is the first preference for family-sponsored immigrants, covering unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of U.S. citizens.
About F1
F1 covers unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens. 'Adult' means 21 years or older. If the child marries before obtaining their green card, they move to the F3 category (married adult children of citizens) which typically has longer wait times.
Who Qualifies
- Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens who are 21 years or older
- Must remain unmarried throughout the immigration process
- Includes those who were previously married but are now divorced or widowed
Requirements
- U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130 petition
- Proof of parent-child relationship (birth certificate)
- Proof of parent's U.S. citizenship
- Beneficiary must be unmarried at time of application and admission
Current Priority Dates
F1 dates by country of chargeability, per the May 2026 Visa Bulletin.
Final Action Dates
All Other
1 SEP 2017
China
1 SEP 2017
India
1 SEP 2017
Mexico
15 AUG 2007
Philippines
1 MAY 2013
Filing Dates
All Other
1 OCT 2018
China
1 OCT 2018
India
1 OCT 2018
Mexico
1 OCT 2008
Philippines
22 APR 2015
Track Your F1 Case
Get monthly Visa Bulletin updates delivered to your inbox
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I marry while waiting for my F1 visa?
If you marry before obtaining your green card, your petition converts to the F3 category (married adult children of citizens), which typically has much longer wait times. You would need a new I-130 petition.
What if my parent becomes a citizen while I'm in F2B?
If you're an unmarried adult child of a permanent resident (F2B) and your parent naturalizes, your case automatically converts to F1. This may result in longer wait times for some countries.
Can my children immigrate with me?
Yes, your unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries on your petition, as long as they remain unmarried and under 21 when immigrating.
How long is the F1 wait time?
Wait times vary significantly by country. Most countries wait 7-10 years, but Mexico and Philippines can exceed 20 years due to high demand and per-country limits.