The question of whether to give a discretionary F-1 visa at the consulate or embassy is up to the US consular officer. Where there is a pending I-130 petition, the weight to be given to it may depend upon the length of time that the applicant will have to wait to immigrate to the States. Consular officers usually give less weight or importance to the petition where the waiting time is longer. For example, if you filed a sibling F-4 petition for your brother five years ago and it is still pending, the consular officer will know that it will probably take another nine years for it to come to fruition. If otherwise convinced that your brother has nonimmigrant intent, he or she would probably issue the visa. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee & Arthur Lee, Esqs.’ (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.
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