F3 Visa Guide: Key Things You Need to Know About the F3 Visa
The F3 visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows the married children of U.S. citizens and their spouses and children (under 21) to immigrate to the United States. This visa falls under the Family Third Preference (F3) category and provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible family members.
F3 Visa Overview
The F3 visa enables U.S. citizens to sponsor their married sons and daughters and their immediate family members to live permanently in the United States. To apply, follow these steps:
- File Form I-130: The U.S. citizen sponsor submits Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to USCIS for their married child and eligible dependents.
- Wait for Visa Availability: The F3 visa category is subject to annual numerical limits, so applicants must check the Visa Bulletin for priority date movement.
- Complete DS-260: Once the petition is approved and a visa is available, the applicant submits Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) online.
- Attend a Visa Interview: Schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, where the applicant must present the required documents.
- Receive the Visa and Travel to the U.S.: If approved, the applicant and their eligible dependents receive F3 visas, allowing them to enter the U.S. and obtain Green Cards.
Advantages That an F3 Visa Offers
The F3 visa provides several benefits for married children of U.S. citizens and their families, including:
Family Reunification
- Allows the married children of U.S. citizens to immigrate and live permanently in the U.S.
- Enables spouses and children (under 21) of the primary applicant to immigrate together.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- F3 visa holders become lawful permanent residents upon arrival in the U.S.
- Eligible for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency and naturalization requirements.
Work Authorization
Upon arrival, F3 visa holders receive a Green Card, allowing them to work legally in the U.S. without additional employment authorization.
Education and Financial Opportunities
- Access to public and private education, including universities and professional training programs.
- Eligible for in-state tuition, scholarships, and financial aid.
Travel Flexibility
- F3 visa holders can travel freely in and out of the U.S. after obtaining their Green Card.
- No need for a separate visa once lawful permanent residency is granted.
Requirements for an F3 Visa
Eligible Family Relationship
- The applicant must be the married son or daughter (any age) of a U.S. citizen.
- The U.S. citizen sponsor must be at least 21 years old to file Form I-130.
- The applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 are also eligible for F3 visas.
Financial Support Requirement
- The U.S. citizen sponsor must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to prove financial ability to support the applicant and their dependents.
- The sponsor must meet minimum income requirements based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines.
Visa Availability & Priority Date
- The F3 visa category is subject to an annual cap, leading to long wait times.
- Applicants must check the Visa Bulletin for priority date movement before proceeding with their visa application.
Medical Examination & Vaccination
- The applicant must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved physician.
- All required vaccinations under U.S. immigration law must be completed before visa approval.
Intent to Immigrate
- The F3 visa is an immigrant visa, meaning applicants must prove intent to reside permanently in the U.S.
- The applicant and their dependents must move to the U.S. within six months of visa issuance to activate their Green Cards
Interview & Documentation
The applicant must attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Required documents include:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate proving relationship to the U.S. citizen sponsor
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Financial support documents
- Police clearance certificate from all countries lived in for over six months
Processing Time
- The F3 visa processing time varies due to visa availability, USCIS processing speed, and embassy schedules.
- Due to the high demand and annual visa cap, the wait time can be several years to over a decade, depending on priority date movement in the Visa Bulletin.
The F3 visa is an essential immigration pathway for U.S. citizens seeking to sponsor their married children and their families for permanent residency in the United States, allowing them to build a secure future with work, education, and citizenship opportunities.