1. What is the F3 Category Visa?
The F3 Family Preference Visa is a U.S. family-based immigrant visa for married children of U.S. citizens, along with their spouses and children under 21. It’s part of the Family Preference category for immigration and is capped by an annual limit on the number of visas, making waiting times significantly longer than immediate family categories (spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. citizens).
2. Current Waiting Time for F3 Category Visa
The F3 visa is subject to long processing times due to high demand and annual caps on the number of available visas. As of 2024, the average waiting time for an F3 visa is 12–14 years or more, depending on the applicant’s home country.
- Worldwide Average: Typically 12–14 years.
- Countries with High Demand (Mexico, the Philippines): May experience longer waits, sometimes 20 years or more.
Waiting times vary as they’re based on priority date (the date the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received the Form I-130). The waiting time is determined by comparing this date with the dates on the Visa Bulletin.
3. How the Visa Bulletin Affects Waiting Times
The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin is published monthly and outlines the cut-off dates for various family-based and employment-based categories, including F3. This bulletin is essential for F3 applicants, as it tells them when their priority date is current, meaning they can proceed with the final stages of their visa application.
Understanding Priority Dates and the Visa Bulletin
- Priority Date: The date the USCIS received the applicant’s I-130 petition. This date must become “current” before an applicant can move forward with the visa application.
- Final Action Date: When the applicant’s priority date matches or is earlier than the date on the Visa Bulletin, they can proceed with visa processing.
Visa Bulletin Trends
The Visa Bulletin typically moves slowly for the F3 category, but applicants should check it monthly to track any advancements in their priority date.
4. Factors Influencing F3 Visa Waiting Times
Several factors contribute to the long waiting times for the F3 visa category:
- Annual Cap on Visas: Only about 23,400 F3 visas are available each year worldwide.
- High Demand: Many U.S. citizens file petitions for their married children, creating a large backlog.
- Country of Origin: Applicants from countries with high demand, such as Mexico and the Philippines, face significantly longer waits due to country-specific caps.
5. Steps to Apply for the F3 Visa
Step 1: File Form I-130
The U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Upon approval, the priority date is assigned, and the petition goes into the waiting line for F3 visas.
Step 2: Monitor the Visa Bulletin
Track the monthly Visa Bulletin to see when the priority date becomes current.
Step 3: Complete DS-260 Application
Once the priority date is current, file Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application and submit required documents to the National Visa Center (NVC).
Step 4: Attend Visa Interview
After NVC processing, attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
6. Alternative Options for Family-Based Immigration
Due to the long wait times for the F3 category, some families consider alternative routes:
- F2B Visa: If the applicant’s parent is a lawful permanent resident rather than a U.S. citizen, they may apply under the F2B category (unmarried children of permanent residents).
- Employment-Based Visas: Some applicants may qualify for employment-based visas, which have shorter wait times in certain categories.
- Visitor Visa: The applicant can apply for a tourist visa to visit the U.S. temporarily, though it does not provide permanent residency.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does the F3 visa take so long?
High demand and annual limits on family-based visas contribute to the long wait times. - How can I check my F3 visa priority date status?
Monitor the Visa Bulletin issued monthly by the U.S. Department of State. - Is there a way to expedite the F3 visa process?
No, F3 visas cannot be expedited due to strict annual limits, but checking for alternative visa options is possible. - Can I stay in the U.S. while waiting for my F3 visa?
F3 applicants can visit the U.S. on a temporary visa, but this does not provide residency or work rights. - How often does the Visa Bulletin update?
The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly. Priority dates may move forward, remain the same, or even retrogress.
8. Conclusion
The F3 visa offers a path for married children of U.S. citizens to achieve permanent residency, but the waiting times can be extensive due to high demand and limited availability. By understanding the Visa Bulletin, tracking priority dates, and considering alternative visa options, families can plan their immigration journey to the U.S. more effectively.