F2B Unmarried Adult Children Petition in Temecula: Family Preference Immigration Guide
Bringing your unmarried adult children to America through family preference immigration
Quick Answer
For green card holders in Temecula seeking to bring their unmarried adult children to the United States, the F2B family preference category provides a pathway to permanent residence. SoCal Immigration Services offers Arabic-speaking assistance for families navigating this complex process with its lengthy wait times.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For green card holders in Temecula seeking to bring their unmarried adult children to the United States, the F2B family preference category provides a pathway to permanent residence. SoCal Immigration Services offers Arabic-speaking assistance for families navigating this complex process with its lengthy wait times.
What is the F2B Family Preference Category?
Key Facts About F2B:
• Available only to green card holders (not U.S. citizens)
• For unmarried children age 21 or older
• Subject to annual visa quotas
• Current wait times exceed 6-8 years
• Child must remain unmarried throughout the process
F2B Eligibility Requirements
- •The petitioner must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
- •The beneficiary must be your biological, adopted, or stepchild
- •Your child must be 21 years of age or older
- •Your child must be unmarried at the time of filing
- •Your child must remain unmarried until receiving their visa
- •You must be able to prove the parent-child relationship
Current F2B Processing Times and Wait
| Country/Region | Current Wait Time | Priority Date Being Processed |
|---|---|---|
| All Countries (General) | 6-8 years | Check Visa Bulletin |
| Mexico | 20+ years | Severely backlogged |
| Philippines | 10+ years | Heavily backlogged |
| India/China | 8-10 years | Moderately backlogged |
| Middle East (most) | 6-8 years | Standard processing |
The F2B Petition Process
- •File Form I-130 with USCIS (currently $535 filing fee)
- •Receive priority date when USCIS accepts the petition
- •Wait for priority date to become current (years)
- •Complete immigrant visa processing or adjustment of status
- •Beneficiary receives green card upon approval
What Happens If Your Child Gets Married
If Child Marries Before Green Card:
• F2B petition is automatically revoked
• Case moves to F3 category (married adult children)
• Wait time increases substantially
• New priority date may be required depending on timing
Strategic Consideration:
• Many families advise children to wait until after green card approval
• This is a personal decision with significant life implications
• Consult with immigration attorney about specific circumstances
What If the Petitioner Becomes a Citizen
Automatic Upgrade:
• F2B converts to F1 category (adult unmarried children of citizens)
• F1 typically has shorter wait times
• Priority date is retained
• Can significantly reduce overall wait
This is one advantage of pursuing citizenship while waiting for the F2B visa to become available.
Required Documents for F2B Petition
- •Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- •Copy of petitioner's green card (front and back)
- •Birth certificate of the child
- •Evidence of relationship (if adopted or stepchild)
- •Passport photos of petitioner and beneficiary
- •Filing fee payment
Maintaining Eligibility During the Wait
For the Petitioner:
• Maintain lawful permanent resident status
• Report address changes to USCIS
• Avoid any criminal activity
• Keep green card valid (renew if needed)
For the Beneficiary:
• Remain unmarried
• Maintain valid status if in the U.S.
• Keep documents updated
• Monitor visa bulletin monthly
Temecula F2B Services
- •Initial eligibility assessment
- •Complete I-130 petition preparation
- •Document gathering and organization
- •Priority date monitoring
- •Visa bulletin tracking
- •Adjustment of status or consular processing
- •Arabic-speaking support throughout
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does F2B take from Temecula?
A: F2B wait times are determined by the visa bulletin, not location. For most Middle Eastern countries, expect 6-8 years. Mexico and Philippines face much longer waits of 10-20+ years.
Q:Can I petition for a married child?
A: No, F2B is only for unmarried adult children. Married children fall under F3 category (if petitioner is a citizen) or cannot be petitioned at all (if petitioner is a green card holder).
Q:What if my child turns 21 while the petition is pending?
A: If your child was under 21 when you filed and turns 21 during processing, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may protect them. Calculations are complex, so consult an attorney.
Q:Can my child work while waiting for the F2B visa?
A: If your child is in the U.S. on another valid status, they may work according to that status. The pending F2B petition itself does not provide work authorization until they can file for adjustment.
Q:Should I wait to become a citizen before filing?
A: Not necessarily. Filing now establishes a priority date. If you later become a citizen, the petition automatically upgrades to F1 category while keeping the original priority date.
Q:What if I die while the petition is pending?
A: Under certain conditions, the petition may be reinstated or converted to a widow(er) case. This is complex and requires legal guidance to navigate properly.
Start Your F2B Petition in Temecula
Our team helps Temecula families navigate the long F2B process. We ensure proper filing and monitor your case throughout the waiting period.
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