Family First Preference (F1) Green Card
For unmarried sons and daughters (aged 21+) of US citizens immigrating through family sponsorship.
The Family First Preference (F1) Green Card is a US family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee) and processing time (~Several years (capped category with long priority-date waits)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family First Preference (F1) Green Card is for
For unmarried sons and daughters (aged 21+) of US citizens immigrating through family sponsorship.
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Family First Preference (F1) Green Card - eligibility criteria
- Be the unmarried son or daughter (21+) of a US citizen
- US citizen parent files Form I-130
- Wait for your priority date to become current
- Sponsor meets income requirements
- Be admissible to the United States
Family First Preference (F1) Green Card cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family First Preference (F1) Green Card (United States) is ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee, with an indicative processing time of ~Several years (capped category with long priority-date waits). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Length of stay | Permanent (green card) |
| Work rights | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee |
| Processing time | ~Several years (capped category with long priority-date waits) |
| Route to PR | Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. |
Pathway & next steps
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Many applicants also compare F2A · Family Second Preference 2A (F2A) Green Card, F3 · Family Third Preference (F3) Green Card, IR-5 · IR-5 Parent of US Citizen Green Card. Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family First Preference (F1) Green Card pitfalls we fix
Family First Preference (F1) Green Card - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family First Preference (F1) Green Card cost?
The Family First Preference (F1) Green Card government fee is ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the Family First Preference (F1) Green Card take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~Several years (capped category with long priority-date waits). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family First Preference (F1) Green Card lead to permanent residence?
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Can I work on the Family First Preference (F1) Green Card?
Work rights: Full work authorization as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the Family First Preference (F1) Green Card?
For unmarried sons and daughters (aged 21+) of US citizens immigrating through family sponsorship.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority