United States•North America6 months – 30 years
Varies by processing route
$2,745–$2,795 USD
Varies by filing options
Indefinite
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
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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| 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 |
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
23,400 visas per year, plus any unused visas from the F1 and F2A categories
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)
Min. Income
27,050 EUR/yr
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
| 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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