Having your family live in different areas— especially far away areas that you have fled, can be extremely taxing. The good news is that F3 visas are available for U.S. citizens whose children are living abroad with their spouses and kids.
The F3 visa is a family reunification-based visa, which is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The act states that American citizens are permitted to sponsor certain relatives who qualify for legal permeant resident (LPR) status. The process starts with the filing of said petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
USCIS only issues 23,400 F3 visas every year, meaning the USCIS takes their time thoroughly reviewing these applications. Because of this, the processing time for F3 visas ranges from one to ten years.
Keep reading to learn more about the application process for the Family Third Preference (F3) visa and how to bring the married child of an American citizen overseas to the U.S.
What are the Requirements for an F3 Visa?
To qualify for an F3 Visa, there are some requirements you must:
- Have a birth certificate that proves at least one of your parents is a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a valid marriage certificate
Parents seeking to bring their kids into the U.S. on an F3 visa must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a birth or adoption certificate proving you have an adult child living in a foreign country
- Live in the United States and have a valid address
Parents who wish to bring their children into the United States must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a U.S. citizen
- You must have birth/adoption certificates proving you have an adult child residing in a foreign country
- You live in the U.S. and have a valid address
How Does the F3 Visa Application Process Work?
Although the requirements to obtain an F3 visa are minimal, there are still quite a few steps to the application process, including:
File Form I-130
The sponsoring U.S. citizen must file Form I-130. If the sponsor is outside of the United States at the time of the application, an attorney can file on their behalf.
The Case Gets Transferred to the NVC
All F3 visas must be approved by the USCIS. Once approved, the case gets transferred to the National Visa Center, or NVC. At this time, you will receive a case number, and then you must wait for the date that you can start the pre-processing. Then that day comes, you can file Form DS-261. But, if you are working with an attorney, you don’t have to file it.
You will have to pay fees and submit the following:
- Your passport— make sure it is valid for at least six months after you’re in the United States
- Proof of sponsorship (Forms I-864/A/EZ/W)
- Form DS-260
- Some photos
- Civil documents (any translations and photocopies you may be asked to submit)
- Medical exam results and vaccinations
Wait Until a Visa Becomes Available
Now you will begin the long waiting process. Of course, because of the cap each year and a capper country, this is often the longest step.
Or, if you’re lucky, this step will be fast, and you will be able to claim an early spot of the allocation of F3 Visas has not run out yet.
Consular Processing
If everything goes to plan, the NVC will now forward your file to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. Consular processing will take place in your home country, and you will be asked to visit the embassy for an interview.
Get a Medical Examination
After the NVC sends you an interview appointment letter, you have to schedule and complete a medical exam. You and each family member (derivative applicant applying with you for the visa) will have to complete a medical exam with an embassy-authorized physician in the country you will be interviewed.
Complete Your Vaccinations
In addition to your medical exam, you must also receive any required vaccinations. This also has to be done prior to your interview.
Compile Your Documents
Every visa applicant, regardless of age, must bring specific documents to their interview, including photos, and the original copy of all civil documents submitted to NVC. This is a critical step because if you forget something, the consular officer won’t be able to finish processing your visa.
Attend an Interview
Now its’ time for your interview at the embassy where you will face a consular officer responsible for determining whether you are eligible for an F3 visa or not. Typically, you will get an answer from the embassy within several days to a week.
Start the F3 Visa Process with Eric Price
There is no room for error when applying for an F3 visa. Failure to bring or provide a certain document can completely upend your case and destroy your chances of becoming a U.S. resident. This is why it’s important that you work with an experienced immigration attorney who will advise you throughout the case and ensure you have the proper, required documents and you submit them on time. Contact us today to find out how our expert legal team can help you reach your American Dream. Call us at 1.855.662.2772.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does an F3 Visa Cost?
The following costs are associated with the F3 Visa application:
- $535 to file the I-130
- $325 for processing the DS-260
- $220 for the USCIS immigration fee
- Variable fees for the medical exam and vaccination
- Amount you pay to get the supporting documents translated
How Long Does the F3 Visa Last?
Unlike other visas, there is no yearly limit on an F3 visa.
Who Qualifies for an F3 Visa?
To qualify for an F3 visa, you must:
- Have a birth certificate that proves at least one of your parents is an American citizen
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a valid marriage certificate
How Long Does it Take to Get an F3 Visa?
The average wait time for an F3 visa is 11 years. But, the average wait time for immigrants from Mexico and the Philippines is 20 years.
How Can I Check My F3 Visa Status Online?
Once your F3 visa application is approved, you can check your status with the CEAC Status Check, You will be required to enter the case number .
Can You Work with an F3 Visa?
Yes, anyone who receives an F3 visa can live, work and study in the U.S. freely.
What Are the Other Family Preference Visa Categories?
The family preference visa categories are:
- Unmarried, adult children ( 21 and over) of U.S. citizens
- Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of permanent residents
- Unmarried adult children of permanent residents
- Married children (any age) of U.S. citizens
- Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens
What is an IR vs. F Category Visa?
Immediate Relative Immigrant Visas (IR) are available for immediate family members of a U.S. citizen. These visas are not subject to time limits like other family preference visas are. Family Preference Immigrant Visas (F) are for family relationships other than spouses, children, or parents.
Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer to Help Me?
An immigration attorney is an invaluable asset during the application process for an F3 visa. Immigration attorneys know theirs and outs of evolving immigration laws and can advise you of the best practices in order to build the strongest case possible and secure the most favorable outcome for you and your loved ones.
Contact Attorney Eric Price Today!
Whether you’re just getting started on your visa application process or you’re unsure where to turn after your application was denied, Attorney Eric Price is here for you. He is highly specialized in immigration law and can help evaluate all the complexities of your case. The first consultation is completely free. Call today at 1.855.662.2772.
Price’s dedication and hard work consistently leads to him being ranked among the best attorneys in immigration law. Let’s get started on building your future.
