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F-3 Visa: Guide for Married Children of US Citizens
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Are you and your family currently residing in a foreign country but hoping to join your parents in the United States? If you are the married adult child of a US citizen, you, your spouse, and your children may be eligible to receive F-3 visas and obtain permanent residence in the US.
The F-3 visa is a preference relative visa. Only married children aged 21 and above of US citizens, their spouses, and minor children can receive an F-3 visa.
An F3 visa applicant must satisfy three fundamental requirements:
The parent planning to sponsor a family member must be a US citizen and reside at a valid US address. The applicant’s spouse and minor children will also each receive their own visa.
The visa application process is long and complex. The critical steps of the application process include:
After your priority date comes current, you can apply for your F3 visa. You should prepare all necessary documentation and submit your application to the NVC. Your documents will be reviewed, and if everything looks satisfactory, you will be interviewed at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
The interview at the embassy or consulate is the final and critical step in applying for an F3 visa. The interviewer is responsible for deciding if your visa application will be denied or approved. Thoughtful consular interview preparation can help you succeed.
If approved, your passport will be stamped with an F3 visa. The NVC will also provide you with a sealed package that must be provided to a US immigration official upon your arrival. Only a US immigration official is allowed to open this package, and they use the information contained in the package to determine if you are qualified to enter the US.
The typical documents needed for an F3 visa application are the same as those for other family preference visas.
Passports. Valid passports of the applicant, spouse, and minor children. These should have more than six months of validity after the projected entry date to the US.
Photos. Two US visa photos for each person applying for a visa.
Medical Records. Any requested medical and vaccination documents.
Form DS-260. A copy of the Form DS-260 confirmation pages for each family member. These documents contain detailed information about the applicant’s background and why they want to immigrate to the US.
Form I-864. A copy of the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from the US sponsor.
Marriage Certificate. Valid marriage certificate or, if previously married, a death certificate or divorce certificate to prove termination of the marriage.
Legal Records. Any required court or criminal records or documentation of police clearance.
Birth Certificate or Adoption Decrees. Adoption documents or birth records of any minor children.
Military Records. Military records if the applicant previously served in the military.
An accredited translator should translate any documents that are not in the English language.
There are several fees that the applicant and petitioner must pay throughout the visa process. Be aware that these fees can change and are dictated by the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS, and each US embassy or consulate. Additional costs will depend on the services available within your country.
The main fees you may encounter when filing for an F3 visa include:
$535 Form I-130 filing fee;
$445 Form DS-260 fee;
Vaccination and medical examination fees;
Translation fees;
And the USCIS immigrant fee. This fee is paid after receiving your visa and before traveling to the US. The USCIS will not release the green card if this fee has not been paid.
The number of F3 visas that can be granted yearly is very limited. Those fortunate enough to receive a visa can work, study, and live legally in the US. Due to the high number of applications and limited visas available, receiving an F3 visa can take one to 10 years.
An immigration attorney in Texas can help you or your loved one apply for an F3 visa or other visa type. The attorneys at Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, have experience assisting petitioners and applicants for family visas.
Our attorneys may be able to help ensure that all required documents are complete and submitted adequately for your F3 visa application. We know how important it is to reunite families, so we provide personalized attention and guidance.
Book a consultation about our immigration services here or by calling 972-200-2850. So, if you are considering applying for an F3 visa or any other immigration-related matter, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way.
If denied, the USCIS will inform the petitioner of any mistakes. You should correct these mistakes and obtain any additional documentation before re-submission.
The number of F3 visas that can be granted yearly is limited. Even if your petition has been approved, you cannot apply for a green card until your priority date is current. If there are several other qualified applications before you and the quota has been reached, you will have to wait for your turn.
The NVC will inform you once your priority date becomes current so you can continue to step two of the application. You can also regularly check the visa bulletin online to see when your priority date may come current. Remember that each family member must undergo the visa application process, not just the US citizen’s married child.
Once you receive your F3 visa, you can travel to the US with your family and show the sealed package provided by the NVC to an immigration official at a port of entry. Assuming all required documents are in order, you will be allowed as a permanent resident.
