For many immigrants, applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization is a proud and long-awaited milestone. It offers a range of benefits—from voting rights to enhanced job opportunities and greater stability. However, there are certain circumstances where waiting to apply for naturalization may be a better strategic move—especially when it involves family-based immigration.
One key scenario involves green card holders who have filed immigrant visa petitions for their unmarried sons or daughters who are 21 years or older. If this describes your situation, read on. The decision to naturalize could have unexpected consequences on your child's ability to immigrate to the U.S. in a timely manner.
How Naturalization Affects Visa Petitions for Adult Children
As a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), when you file an immigrant petition for an unmarried son or daughter over age 21, they fall under the F2B visa category. This is the category specifically reserved for adult children of green card holders.
However, once you naturalize and become a U.S. citizen, your child's petition automatically shifts to the F1 visa category—for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
This switch may seem like an upgrade, but in reality, it often extends your child's wait time, especially depending on their country of origin.
Visa Bulletin: A Comparison of Current Wait Times
To better understand how this affects your case, let's look at the June 2025 Visa Bulletin, which reflects the U.S. Department of State's current processing dates:
| Category |
All Countries (except Mexico & Philippines) |
Mexico |
Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|
|
F2B – Unmarried Sons/Daughters (21+) of LPRs |
September 22, 2016 |
January 1, 2006 |
February 8, 2012 |
|
F1 – Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens |
June 8, 2016 |
April 22, 2 |
While the F1 category may seem slightly ahead for some regions at this moment, the movement of priority dates is unpredictable and often F2B moves faster than F1. Moreover, the F1 category can become more heavily backlogged, particularly for high-demand countries like Mexico and the Philippines.
Once your child's case shifts to F1 due to your naturalization, you cannot revert it back to F2B—even if the F2B category starts moving more quickly in the future.
A Thoughtful Approach to Naturalization
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a valuable goal, but it's crucial to assess the timing when you have active petitions filed on behalf of family members. In certain cases, remaining a green card holder until your child receives their visa may be the more efficient path for reuniting your family sooner.
Speak with an Immigration Attorney Before You Apply
If you are a lawful permanent resident and have filed (or plan to file) a petition for an adult child, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified immigration attorney before submitting your naturalization application.
At The Law Office of Emmanuel Asiriuwa, PLLC, we understand the complexities of family-based immigration and the long-term impact your naturalization can have on your loved ones' immigration journeys. Attorney Emmanuel can help you develop a strategy that aligns with your goals while maximizing the benefits for your family.
Contact Us Today
Whether you're preparing to apply for U.S. citizenship or evaluating the best course of action for your family's immigration plans, we are here to help.
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