F1

F1 Immigrant Visa for Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The F1 visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows unmarried sons and daughters (21 years or older) of U.S. citizens to permanently live and work in the United States. This visa leads directly to lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) upon entry to the U.S.
The F1 category remains available in 2026 for Kazakhstan citizens, subject to annual numerical limits and priority dates.

Unlike Immediate Relative categories, the F1 visa is part of the family preference system and is subject to waiting periods.

Who qualifies for the F1 visa

An applicant may qualify for an F1 visa if:

• The petitioner is a U.S. citizen

• The applicant is the unmarried son or daughter of the U.S. citizen

• The applicant is 21 years of age or older

• A legally valid parent-child relationship exists

Marriage of the applicant terminates F1 eligibility.

What the F1 visa allows

• Permanent residence in the United States

• Legal employment without additional work authorization

• Study at U.S. educational institutions

• Free movement in and out of the United States

• Access to a Social Security number and U.S. services

• Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future

Permanent resident status begins immediately upon entry.

What the F1 visa does NOT allow

• Immigration for married children of U.S. citizens

• Sponsorship without a legally proven parent-child relationship

• Avoidance of priority date waiting periods

• Ignoring immigration compliance obligations

Any change in marital status must be reported.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may apply if:

• They are the biological, adopted, or stepchild of a U.S. citizen

• They are unmarried and over 21 years old

• The relationship is legally documented

• The U.S. citizen parent agrees to act as sponsor

The applicant’s country of residence does not affect eligibility.

What immigration officers really check

Authorities primarily evaluate:

• Legal validity of the parent-child relationship

• Applicant’s age and marital status

• Authenticity of birth, adoption, or marriage records

• Immigration history of both parent and child

• Absence of fraud indicators

The process is relationship-based, not document-count based.

Financial sponsorship requirements

The U.S. citizen parent must:

• File an Affidavit of Support

• Meet minimum income requirements under U.S. law

• Accept long-term financial responsibility for the applicant

A joint sponsor may be used if required.

Validity and permanent residence rules

• Entry to the U.S. grants permanent resident status

• Green Card allows unlimited residence, work, and study

• Long absences may affect permanent resident status

• Permanent residence carries legal obligations

F1 beneficiaries must maintain lawful resident status.

Priority dates and waiting periods

• F1 visas are subject to annual numerical limits

• Applicants must wait for their priority date to become current

• Waiting times vary by country and demand

• Approval timing depends on visa bulletin movement

F1 processing can take several years.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most denials occur due to:

• Loss of eligibility due to marriage

• Insufficient proof of parent-child relationship

• Financial sponsorship issues

• Prior immigration violations

• Inconsistent or incomplete documentation

Accurate status tracking is critical.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Filing an immigrant petition by the U.S. citizen parent

• Waiting for the priority date to become current

• Case processing through USCIS and the National Visa Center

• Submission of civil and financial documents

• Medical examination

• Immigrant visa interview

• Entry to the U.S. as a permanent resident

Processing time varies significantly.

Important note for 2026

• F1 visas are available in 2026, subject to quotas

• Waiting periods apply due to visa limits

• Priority date movement determines final timing

Unsure if F1 is the right category?

Before applying, it is recommended to evaluate category eligibility, marital status risks, and priority date timelines.
A professional assessment helps avoid delays and category loss.