Who issues the F visa if approved?

When dealing with immigration to the United States in the Family Based category, it is common to have questions about the processes and those responsible for issuing visas. In general terms, the procedure begins with the approval of an immigration petition, usually submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

However, the final issuance of the visa-in this case, the F visa, which covers several family preference categories-occurs at a later stage. After the petition is reviewed and approved by USCIS, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which organizes the necessary documentation and then transfers the process to a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

It is in this setting that the consular interview takes place, conducted by a consular officer who reviews the documentation and, if everything complies with the legal requirements, issues the visa. Thus, in summary: if approved, the F visa is issued by the U.S. Department of State through its international consular network.

It is important to emphasize that strictly following immigration laws and regulations is crucial throughout the entire process. Due to the complexity involved, it is always advisable to seek updated information and, when necessary, guidance from reliable sources and specialized professionals-avoiding scams or unfounded promises of quick results. Staying well informed and following legal procedures is the safest path to success in immigration processes.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.