Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

Bring Your Married Children Closer with the F3 Visa

The Green Card for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens offers a valuable opportunity for family reunification. Under the F3 visa category, U.S. citizens can petition for their married children and their families to live permanently in the United States. While the process is designed to support family connections, navigating the paperwork, eligibility criteria, and wait times can be daunting. This guide provides a detailed overview of the F3 visa process to help you reunite with your loved ones in the U.S.

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

Step 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.

Required documents include:

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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 5: Complete the Medical Examination
Applicants must undergo a medical examination with a USCIS-approved physician and submit Form I-693.

Step 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.

Step 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

At Larhdel Law, we specialize in helping families navigate the complexities of the F3 visa process. Our services include:

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.

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.

Reuniting with your married children through the F3 visa is a meaningful step toward bringing your family closer. Don’t let application challenges or delays hinder your plans. Contact an experienced immigration attorney today at 310 943 6352 to make the process smooth and successful. Let Larhdel Law help you navigate every step and achieve your family’s immigration goals.