Family F3 Visa
What is the Family F3 Visa
The Family F3 Visa, also known as the Family-Based Third Preference Visa, is an immigrant visa category for family members of U.S. citizens. This visa allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their married children and their families for permanent residency in the United States. The F3 visa category aims to reunite families and provide a pathway to live and work permanently in the United States.
Benefits of the Family F3 Visa
The Family F3 Visa offers numerous benefits for beneficiaries, including:
- Permanent Residency: Allows beneficiaries to live and work permanently in the U.S.
- Path to Citizenship: Beneficiaries can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residency.
- Family Unity: Reunites families, allowing beneficiaries to live with their U.S. citizen parent and other family members.
- Employment and Education Opportunities: Access to employment and educational opportunities in the U.S.
Eligibility Criteria for the Family F3 Visa
To qualify for the Family F3 Visa, the following criteria must be met:
- Petitioner Requirements: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old.
- Beneficiary Requirements: The beneficiary must be the married child of the U.S. citizen petitioner.
- Relationship Proof: Documentation proving the familial relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents.
- Financial Support: The petitioner must demonstrate the ability to financially support the beneficiary and prevent them from becoming a public charge.
Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State that provides critical information regarding the availability of immigrant visas (green cards) for various categories of applicants. It outlines the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing, which help applicants understand when they can proceed with their green card applications based on their priority dates.
The priority date is established when the U.S. citizen files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This date serves as the applicant’s place in the visa queue, which is essential because the number of visas available in this category is limited.
The Final Action Date indicates when an immigrant visa number is available for issuance. If an applicant’s priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date listed for the Family 3rd category, they are eligible to receive their green card that month.
Conversely, the Dates for Filing chart specifies the earliest dates when applicants can submit their green card applications, even if their priority date is not yet current according to the Final Action Date. This allows applicants to prepare and file their applications in advance, which can help expedite the process once their priority date becomes current.
This process can often involve significant waiting periods, depending on the demand for visas in the Family 3rd category and the applicant’s country of origin.
Validity Period
The Green Card is typically issued as a permanent resident card, the card itself is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.
What We Do
- Provide assistance in preparing Form I-130 on behalf of a Relative with USCIS and the National Visa Center
- Review applications to identify potential concerns that may affect the outcome of the application
- Provide assistance in determining the Final Action Date and Date of Filing for the beneficiary of the Family F3 Visa
The Family F3 Visa is an essential pathway for married children of U.S. citizens to achieve permanent residency in the United States.
Why Choose Us?
- Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable attorneys will walk you through the entire process, answering any questions you may have along the way.
- Tailored Support: We take the time to understand your specific circumstances and provide solutions that fit your needs.
- Peace of Mind: With our support, you can feel confident that your application is in good hands.
Are you considering applying for a Family Third Preference (F3) visa? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your Family F3 visa.
Application Process for the Family F3 Visa
The application process for the Family-Based F3 Visa involves several steps:
Step 1 | Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative The U.S. lawful permanent resident (sponsor) must file Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the family relationship. |
Step 2 | Waiting for Priority Date After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the applicant must wait for their priority date to become current. The priority date is the date the petition was filed, and visas are issued based on this date. The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin provides monthly updates on visa availability. |
Step 3 | Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)
Adjustment of Status (Within the U.S.)
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Frequently Asked Questions
F3
- How long does it take to get an F-3 visa?
The processing time for an F-3 visa varies depending on factors such as the applicant’s home country and the backlog of visa applications. It is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for an estimate of processing times.
- Can my married children work in the U.S. on an F-3 visa?
F-3 visa holders are generally not authorized to work in the United States. However, they may be eligible to apply for work authorization through other means, such as employment sponsorship or adjustment of status.
- Can I sponsor more than one married child for an F-3 visa?
Yes, U.S. citizens and Green Card holders may sponsor multiple married children for F-3 visas. Each married child must have a separate petition filed on their behalf.
- Can my married children bring their spouses and children to the U.S. on an F-3 visa?
Yes, F-3 visa holders may be eligible to bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the United States as derivative beneficiaries.
- What happens if my I-130 petition is denied?
If the I-130 petition is denied, the petitioner may appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider the case. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can improve the chances of a successful outcome.
- Do I need to provide financial support for my family member applying for the F3 Visa?
Yes, the U.S. citizen petitioner must provide an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate financial ability to support the beneficiary and prevent them from becoming a public charge.
