F3 Married Adult Children Petition in Long Beach: Understanding the Longest Wait Category
What to know about sponsoring your married sons and daughters for immigration with 15+ year wait times
Quick Answer
For U.S. citizens in Long Beach wanting to sponsor married sons and daughters, the F3 (Third Family Preference) category presents significant challenges. With wait times exceeding 15 years for most countries, this category requires extraordinary patience and long-term planning. SoCal Immigration Services helps families understand their options and manage these lengthy cases.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For U.S. citizens in Long Beach wanting to sponsor married sons and daughters, the F3 (Third Family Preference) category presents significant challenges. With wait times exceeding 15 years for most countries, this category requires extraordinary patience and long-term planning. SoCal Immigration Services helps families understand their options and manage these lengthy cases.
What Is the F3 Family Preference Category?
• Petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (green card holders cannot petition married children)
• The beneficiary must be married at the time of filing
• No age limit - any age married child qualifies
• Includes the child's spouse and unmarried children under 21
• Subject to annual numerical limits and per-country caps
F3 Wait Times: Understanding the Backlog
| Country of Birth | Current Wait Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 24+ years | Most severe backlog |
| Philippines | 23+ years | Extremely long wait |
| India | 15+ years | Significant backlog |
| China (mainland) | 15+ years | Significant backlog |
| All Other Countries | 15+ years | Standard backlog |
| Middle Eastern Countries | 15+ years | Same as 'All Other' |
Why Are F3 Waits So Long?
• Limited Visas: Only about 23,400 F3 visas available annually worldwide
• Per-Country Limits: Each country capped at 7% of total, about 1,638 visas
• High Demand: Many U.S. citizens want to bring married children
• No Legislative Relief: Congress hasn't increased family visa numbers
• Derivative Beneficiaries: Each case includes spouse and children, using more visa numbers
The backlog grows because annual demand exceeds supply.
The F3 Petition Process
- 1File Form I-130
U.S. citizen parent files family petition for married child
- 2Receive Priority Date
The filing date becomes your place in line
- 3Wait for Priority Date to Become Current
Monitor visa bulletin monthly for 15+ years
- 4National Visa Center Processing
When close to current, NVC sends document requests
- 5File DS-260 or I-485
Complete immigrant visa application when date is current
- 6Interview and Approval
Attend consular interview or USCIS interview
What Happens During the Long Wait?
- •Beneficiary marital status: If they divorce, case moves to faster F1 or F2B category
- •Beneficiary has children: New children born before priority date current can be included
- •Children age out: Children turning 21 before completion may lose eligibility (CSPA helps some)
- •Petitioner death: Case may be able to continue under humanitarian reinstatement
- •Petitioner becomes ineligible: If petitioner loses citizenship, case may be affected
- •Beneficiary circumstances change: Must update address and status regularly
Strategic Considerations for F3 Cases
• File Now, Decide Later: Even if unsure, filing establishes priority date. You can always withdraw later.
• Divorce Impact: If child's marriage ends, they can move to faster category (F1 if petitioner is citizen)
• Age Out Protection: Track children's ages carefully for CSPA calculations
• Alternative Paths: Explore if beneficiary could qualify through employment or other means
• Multiple Petitions: If both parents are citizens, each can file to have backup
• Estate Planning: Consider what happens to petition if petitioner passes away
F3 vs. Other Family Categories
| Category | Who Qualifies | Wait Time | Derivative Family? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR (Immediate Relative) | Unmarried children under 21 | No wait | No |
| F1 | Unmarried adult children of citizens | 7-8 years | Yes - spouse, kids |
| F2A | Spouse/minor children of green card | 2-3 years | Limited |
| F2B | Unmarried adult children of green card | 7-8 years | Yes - spouse, kids |
| F3 | Married adult children of citizens | 15+ years | Yes - spouse, kids |
| F4 | Siblings of adult citizens | 15+ years | Yes - spouse, kids |
Managing Expectations for Long Beach Families
• Timeline: A petition filed today may not result in immigration until 2040 or later
• Life Changes: Children and grandchildren will grow significantly during wait
• No Shortcuts: There is no way to speed up F3 processing (visa bulletin determines everything)
• Keep Documents Updated: Maintain current contact information with USCIS and NVC
• Don't Overstay: F3 beneficiaries should not attempt to immigrate early by other means and overstaying
Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services?
- •Accurate I-130 petition preparation
- •Priority date tracking over many years
- •Arabic-speaking staff for Middle Eastern families
- •Guidance on status changes affecting the case
- •NVC document preparation when priority date approaches
- •Coordination with consulates for overseas beneficiaries
- •CSPA calculations for children aging out
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Is it worth filing an F3 petition with such long waits?
A: Yes, because the wait starts from your filing date (priority date). If you don't file now, the wait only gets longer. Even if circumstances change during the 15+ year wait, having an active petition preserves your place in line.
Q:What happens if my child gets divorced during the wait?
A: If your child's marriage ends through divorce, the case can be converted to F1 (unmarried adult children of citizens), which has significantly shorter waits of 7-8 years. You would notify USCIS or NVC of the status change. This is actually one way cases move faster.
Q:Can my grandchildren come with my married child?
A: Yes, unmarried children under 21 of the principal beneficiary (your grandchildren) are included as derivative beneficiaries. However, they must be under 21 AND unmarried when visas become available. The Child Status Protection Act may help some who turn 21 during processing.
Q:What if I die before my child's priority date becomes current?
A: The case may be able to continue through 'humanitarian reinstatement' if another qualifying family member (like the beneficiary's spouse) requests it within 2 years of your death. We recommend estate planning that addresses ongoing immigration cases.
Q:Can my child visit the U.S. while waiting for the F3 visa?
A: Yes, but they must maintain proper visitor status (B-2) and return home. They should NOT attempt to stay in the U.S. permanently until their priority date is current. Overstaying could create bars to future entry and jeopardize the F3 case.
Q:Is there any way to speed up the F3 process?
A: Unfortunately, no. The F3 category is entirely controlled by the visa bulletin, which is determined by demand vs. available visa numbers. There is no premium processing, no expedite requests, and no way to advance your priority date. The only 'speed up' is if your child divorces and moves to a faster category.
Ready to Start Your F3 Family Petition?
Even with long waits, establishing your priority date is the first step to eventually reuniting with your married children. We help Long Beach families begin the process.
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