F1 and F2 Visas

[Vegas1 3]

Why are F2 visas (children for immigrants with residence status) being processed faster than F1 visas (children of US Citizens)? I think citizens should have preference over residence.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Those are student visas and visas for dependants of student visas.

[apple21 953]

I guess over-subscription of F1.

My husband (boyfriend back then) was originally petitioned as F2B by his father back in 2001 which has a 10-yr waiting period for Philippines. His dad became a US citizen in 2008 which automatically converted his petition to F1 which has a 15-yr wait. In 2010 when the NVC sent the Choice of Agent form to start the visa process, my husband requested an OPT-OUT to the USCIS office at the US Embassy Manila Philippines for his petition to remain as F2B. This was advised by the lawyer his dad hired. It was granted and he got his F2B visa in 2011.

[apple21 953]

Those are student visas and visas for dependants of student visas.

Student visas are called F1.

There is an immigrant visa category also referred as F1 which are for unmarried sons/daughters (over 21 years old) of US citizens.

The latter is what the OP is referring to.

[Vegas1 3]

My stepson was an F2 until his mother became a citizen and was converted to an F1. At this time, F1s were being processed faster.

Does anyone know if I can convert him back to an F2?