What Is the F-3 Family Sponsorship Visa?
- May 27
- 2 min read
The F-3 family sponsorship visa is a family-based immigration category that allows United States citizens to sponsor their married sons and daughters for lawful permanent residence. Through this process, the beneficiary may immigrate to the United States together with their spouse and qualifying children.
New York based immigration law firm Caglar & Associates, PLLC provides professional legal assistance for family sponsorship petitions, Green Card applications, and immigration matters nationwide.
Who Can Apply?
To sponsor a married son or daughter, the petitioner must:
Be a United States citizen
Be at least 21 years old
Lawful Permanent Residents cannot sponsor married children under the F-3 category.
Who Is Included in This Category?
Married sons of U.S. citizens
Married daughters of U.S. citizens
The beneficiary’s spouse
Qualifying children under the permitted age limit
Application Process
Stage | Process |
Family Petition Filing | Sponsorship petition submitted |
Case Review | Family relationship verified |
Visa Waiting Period | Priority date becomes current |
Permanent Residence Process | Green Card process completed |
Waiting Times (2026)
Because the F-3 category is subject to annual visa limits, waiting periods are very long.
Average waiting times in 2026:
Most countries: Approximately 13 – 14 years
Philippines: Approximately 20 years
Mexico: 24 years or longer
Required Documents
Birth certificates
Passports
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Marriage certificates
Financial sponsorship documents
Photographs
Police certificates
Medical examination reports
Child Age Protection
Because of long waiting periods, some children may lose eligibility after turning 21 years old.
Certain legal protections may help preserve eligibility for qualifying children.
Important Legal Considerations
The process may take many years.
Supporting documents should remain updated.
Missing evidence may trigger Requests for Evidence.
Financial sponsorship requirements are important.
Address changes should always be reported.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the F-3 visa?
It is the family-based immigration category for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
Can permanent residents file under this category?
No.
Why are the waiting times so long?
Because the category is subject to annual visa quotas.
Does filing the petition provide work authorization?
No. The petition alone does not provide work authorization.
Can the spouse be included in the case?
Yes.
Can children be included?
Yes.
Can the petition be denied?
Yes. Missing evidence or eligibility problems may result in denial.
What happens if the marriage ends in divorce?
The immigration category may change.
Can the process be completed from outside the United States?
Yes.
Are biometrics required?
Yes.
Is a medical examination required?
Yes, during the permanent residence stage.
Is financial sponsorship required?
Yes.
Can the beneficiary remain in the United States during the process?
Possibly, if they maintain another valid immigration status.
Can immigration filing fees change?
Yes. Immigration filing fees are updated periodically.
Are translations required?
Yes. Non-English documents must be translated.
Contact Caglar & Associates, PLLC
📍 100 Church St 8th Floor, New York, NY 10007, United States
📞 +1 (646) 874-3575
👨⚖️ Attorney Ibrahim Furkan Caglar
New York Bar Number: 6160303
For professional legal assistance regarding F-3 family sponsorship petitions, family-based Green Card matters, and immigration processes, contact our office today.
