What is the F3 Visa?

The F3 visa is a family-based immigration option specifically for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. Unlike the immediate relative categories, the F3 visa is part of the family preference system, which is subject to annual numerical limits. Approved applicants are granted lawful permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study in the United States.

Eligibility Requirements for the F3 Visa

To qualify for the F3 visa, the following criteria must be met:

• Petitioner’s Status: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (not a lawful permanent resident).
• Beneficiary’s Relationship: The beneficiary must be the married son or daughter of the petitioner.
• Marital Status: The beneficiary must remain married throughout the application process.
• Proof of Relationship: The petitioner must provide evidence of the parent-child relationship, such as birth certificates or adoption records.

Benefits of the F3 Visa

• Family Reunification: Allows U.S. citizens to bring their married children and their families to the U.S.
• Permanent Residency: Grants recipients the ability to live, work, and study in the U.S. indefinitely.
• Path to Citizenship: Eligible beneficiaries can apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide to the F3 Visa Process

1. File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the qualifying relationship.
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., passport, naturalization certificate).
   • Birth certificates or other evidence of the parent-child relationship.
   • Documentation of the beneficiary’s marital status.
2. USCIS Reviews the Petition: USCIS evaluates the petition to confirm eligibility. Once approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
3. Monitor Visa Availability: The F3 visa category is subject to annual caps, which often result in lengthy wait times. Applicants should regularly check the Visa Bulletin to track their priority date.
4. Apply for Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status:
   • Consular Processing: For beneficiaries living abroad, file Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) and attend an interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
   • Adjustment of Status: For beneficiaries already in the U.S., file Form I-485 to adjust to permanent residency.
5. Complete the Medical Examination: Applicants must undergo a medical examination with a USCIS-approved physician and submit Form I-693.
6. Attend the Visa Interview: During the interview, consular officers verify the eligibility of the beneficiary and their family members. Required documents include:
   • Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from the petitioner to demonstrate financial stability.
   • Proof of the parent-child relationship.
   • Evidence of the beneficiary’s marital status and family details.
7. Receive the Green Card: Upon approval, the beneficiary and their immediate family members receive Green Cards, granting them permanent residency in the U.S.

Common Challenges with the F3 Visa Application

1. Long Wait Times: Due to annual numerical limits, the F3 visa often involves extended wait periods, sometimes spanning several years.
2. Proving Relationship and Marital Status: Applicants must provide detailed and accurate documentation to prove their eligibility. Issues such as missing birth certificates or discrepancies in records can lead to delays.
3. Financial Sponsorship Requirements: The U.S. citizen petitioner must demonstrate they meet income requirements to sponsor their family members.

How Larhdel Law Can Help You Succeed

• Petition Assistance: Ensuring all forms and evidence are complete and accurate.
• Visa Bulletin Monitoring: Keeping you updated on priority dates and visa availability.
• Documentation Support: Helping you compile strong evidence to prove relationships and eligibility.
• Interview Preparation: Coaching applicants to confidently handle visa interviews.

Contact us at 310 943 6352 for personalized support tailored to your family’s immigration needs.

Real-Life Success Stories

• Case 1: Reuniting a Parent with Their Married Child: A U.S. citizen petitioned for their married daughter living abroad. Despite a long wait time, we ensured the application was thorough and acted promptly when the priority date became current, leading to a successful outcome.
• Case 2: Addressing Financial Sponsorship Concerns: An applicant faced challenges meeting the income threshold for sponsorship. We helped identify a joint sponsor, ensuring the family’s application moved forward without delays.
• Case 3: Resolving Documentation Discrepancies: A petitioner struggled with incomplete birth records. We guided them in gathering alternative evidence, such as affidavits and school records, resulting in visa approval.