United States•North AmericaF3 — Family Third Preference (F3)
At a Glance
6 months – 30 years
Varies by processing route
USD $2,745–$2,795
Varies by filing options
Indefinite
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Living in United States
Overview
Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and their spouses and minor children.
The F3 is a US family-based immigrant visa for married sons and daughters of US citizens. It grants lawful permanent residence (a green card) directly — no temporary status involved. Up to 23,400 visas are issued per year, plus any unused numbers from the F1 and F2A categories.
Heavy backlogs mean most applicants wait 10–20 years; Philippines and Mexico nationals may wait 30 years or more. The green card is permanent, renewable, and qualifying for citizenship after 5 years. Derivative spouses and children under 21 may accompany the principal, and spouses may work without restriction.
This visa is ideal for married adult children of US citizens who are prepared for a long wait and want a permanent pathway to live and work in the United States.
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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| Form I-130 USCIS adjudication | 6 months – 2 years |
| NVC processing + consular interview scheduling | 6 months – 1.5 years |
| Priority date wait — most countries | 5–15 years |
| Priority date wait — Philippines/Mexico (high backlog) | 15–30 years |
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Annual Cap & Quota
23,400 visas per year, plus any unused visas from the F1 and F2A categories
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (not a lawful permanent resident)
Beneficiary must be a married son or daughter of the U.S. citizen petitioner
Beneficiary must be married at time of filing and remain married throughout the process
Petitioner must meet financial sponsorship requirements (at least 125% of federal poverty guideline)
Beneficiary must pass a medical examination
Beneficiary must be admissible to the United States (no disqualifying criminal history or immigration violations)
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
27,050 USD/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Form I-130 with proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
Evidence of qualifying family relationship (birth certificate showing petitioner is parent of beneficiary)
Proof of beneficiary's valid marriage (marriage certificate)
Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with petitioner's tax returns and pay stubs
Valid passport for beneficiary (at least 6 months validity)
Police certificates from country of nationality/residence if lived there for 6+ months since age 16, and from any other country lived in for 12+ months since age 16
Medical examination results (Form I-693 for AOS; panel physician report for consular processing)
Two passport-style photographs
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Leads directly to lawful permanent residence (green card)
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included as derivative beneficiaries on the same petition
- No job offer or PERM labor certification required
- Full and unrestricted work authorization upon receiving green card
- Qualifying to apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years as a lawful permanent resident
Worth Knowing
- Annual cap of ~23,400 visas creates significant multi-year backlogs, especially for Philippines, Mexico, and India nationals
- Backlogs can exceed 10–20 years for oversubscribed countries
- Divorce from spouse at any point during the process terminates F3 qualification; beneficiary would need to refile under a different category
- Derivative children who turn 21 before visa issuance may age out; the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may offer limited relief
- Petitioner's Affidavit of Support (I-864) creates a legally enforceable financial obligation until the beneficiary becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 qualifying work quarters, or permanently departs
- Certain criminal convictions or immigration violations can render the beneficiary inadmissible
- Very long backlog
Application Process
U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS
USCIS approves I-130 and case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing, or retained for adjustment of status
Wait for priority date to become current in the monthly Visa Bulletin
NVC collects fees and civil documents (consular processing) or applicant files Form I-485 with USCIS (if in the U.S.)
Attend immigrant visa interview at U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, or attend USCIS interview for adjustment of status
Receive immigrant visa stamp (consular) or green card approval (adjustment of status)
Application Forms
Go to application portal| I-130 Petition for Alien Relative | Fill online |
| I-864 Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA | Fill online |
| I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Fill online |
| DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application | Fill online |
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