The process of issuing Family Based visas (F visas) involves a series of rules and procedures that follow the U.S. government calendar. For those seeking to renew or start a process in this category, it is common to wonder when the annual quota for F visas is released.
In general, these visas have a limited number of annual slots, distributed according to the fiscal calendar from October 1st to September 30th of the following year. The disclosure and update of these slots occur continuously through the Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
The Visa Bulletin provides priority dates for each subcategory of F visas (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, and F4) and the progress of the annual quota. Updates vary depending on the volume of applications and legal changes, making it essential to regularly follow information through official channels.
It is recommended to be cautious with unofficial sources and unfounded promises, as well as to consult specialized professionals in complex cases. Thus, accessing official data and following procedures ensures a safe immigration journey in accordance with legal norms.
Learn more about Family Based
- Type
- Family-sponsored Green Card
- Sponsor
- U.S. citizen or LPR
- Petition
- Form I-130
- Processing
- 12 months to several years
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.