I-130 for Married Children in Claremont: F3 Family Preference Immigration
Bringing your married adult children to America through the F3 category
Quick Answer
For U.S. citizens in Claremont seeking to bring their married adult children to the United States, the F3 family preference category provides a pathway despite very long wait times. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab-American families understand and navigate this challenging process.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For U.S. citizens in Claremont seeking to bring their married adult children to the United States, the F3 family preference category provides a pathway despite very long wait times. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab-American families understand and navigate this challenging process.
What is the F3 Family Preference Category?
Key Facts:
• Only U.S. citizens can file F3 petitions (not green card holders)
• For married children of any age
• Current wait times exceed 10-15 years for most countries
• Includes spouse and unmarried children of the married child
• Subject to annual visa quotas
F3 Eligibility Requirements
- •The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen
- •The beneficiary must be your married son or daughter
- •You must prove the parent-child relationship
- •Your child must be married at time of filing
- •The marriage must be legally valid
Current F3 Wait Times
| Country/Region | Current Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Countries (General) | 12-15 years | Very long backlog |
| Mexico | 23+ years | Severely oversubscribed |
| Philippines | 23+ years | Severely oversubscribed |
| India | 12-14 years | Long wait |
| China (mainland) | 12-14 years | Long wait |
| Middle East (most countries) | 12-15 years | Standard processing |
Derivative Beneficiaries in F3
Included in Your F3 Petition:
• Your married child's spouse
• Your married child's unmarried children under 21
They immigrate together when the visa becomes available. This means one petition can bring your child's entire immediate family.
Note: Grandchildren over 21 or who marry must be petitioned separately.
The F3 Process Step by Step
- •Step 1: File Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
- •Step 2: Receive receipt notice with priority date
- •Step 3: Wait many years for priority date to become current
- •Step 4: USCIS approves petition (may happen before date is current)
- •Step 5: Case sent to National Visa Center
- •Step 6: NVC requests documents when date approaches
- •Step 7: Embassy interview or adjustment of status
- •Step 8: Family receives immigrant visas and green cards
Required Documents for F3 Petition
- •Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
- •Evidence of your U.S. citizenship (certificate, passport)
- •Your child's birth certificate showing you as parent
- •Your child's marriage certificate
- •Two passport photos of your child
- •Filing fee ($535)
- •If names changed: legal name change documents
Planning for the Long Wait
Maintaining Contact:
• Keep your address updated with USCIS
• Respond to any USCIS requests promptly
• Save all documents in a safe place
• Track the Visa Bulletin monthly
Life Changes During Wait:
• Marriage remains valid requirement throughout
• If your child divorces, they may move to F1 (faster)
• If you die, petition may continue with substitute sponsor
• Grandchildren may age out (turn 21) during wait
What If Your Child Divorces?
If Your Married Child Divorces:
• They no longer qualify for F3 (married child)
• May be able to convert to F1 (unmarried adult child)
• F1 may have shorter wait times
• Spouse is no longer included as derivative
• Any children may still be included
The conversion isn't automatic - specific procedures apply.
Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) for Grandchildren
Aging Out Concerns:
• Children included as derivatives must be under 21 and unmarried
• If they turn 21, they 'age out' of derivative status
• CSPA provides some protection through age calculation
CSPA Calculation:
• CSPA age = Age at visa availability minus time petition was pending
• Must seek to acquire status within 1 year of availability
• Complex calculations require professional analysis
F3 vs. Other Family Categories
| Category | Relationship | Who Can Petition | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR (Immediate Relative) | Unmarried child under 21 | U.S. Citizen | No wait |
| F1 | Unmarried adult child | U.S. Citizen | 7-12 years |
| F2A | Spouse/unmarried child under 21 | Green Card Holder | 2-4 years |
| F2B | Unmarried adult child | Green Card Holder | 6-8 years |
| F3 | Married adult child | U.S. Citizen Only | 12-15+ years |
| F4 | Sibling | U.S. Citizen | 13-23 years |
While You Wait: Other Options
- •Employment-based visas (if child qualifies for H-1B, etc.)
- •Investment visas (EB-5 if substantial funds available)
- •Diversity Visa lottery (if from eligible country)
- •Student visas for temporary presence
- •Visitor visas for short visits (does not lead to green card)
- •Consider if child's spouse has any immigration pathway
Claremont F3 Petition Services
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
- •I-130 petition preparation and filing
- •Long-term case monitoring
- •Address change updates
- •Visa Bulletin tracking
- •NVC document preparation when current
- •Interview preparation
- •Derivative beneficiary coordination
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Why does F3 take so long?
A: F3 is subject to annual visa number limits set by Congress. More people want to immigrate through F3 than visas available each year, creating a backlog. The priority date system means you wait in line based on when you filed.
Q:Can my green card holder spouse petition for our married child?
A: No. Green card holders cannot petition for married children at all. Only U.S. citizens can petition for married children through the F3 category. You would need to naturalize first to file.
Q:What happens to my petition if my married child divorces?
A: If your child divorces during the wait, they may be able to convert to F1 (unmarried adult children of citizens), which often has shorter wait times. Their spouse would no longer be included, but any children might still qualify as derivatives.
Q:Are my grandchildren included in the F3 petition?
A: Your unmarried grandchildren under 21 (your married child's children) are included as derivative beneficiaries. They can immigrate with their parents. However, if they turn 21 or marry during the long wait, they may age out or lose eligibility.
Q:Can my child visit me while waiting for F3?
A: Possibly, with a B-2 visitor visa, but it's complicated. Having a pending immigrant petition makes it harder to get a visitor visa because they must prove they'll return home. Many F3 beneficiaries are denied visitor visas.
Q:What if I die before the priority date is current?
A: The petition doesn't automatically terminate. Under certain circumstances, another qualifying relative may be able to serve as a substitute sponsor, or the petition may be converted. This is a complex area requiring legal guidance.
Ready to Start Your F3 Petition in Claremont?
Despite the long wait, filing now establishes your priority date and starts the process. Our Arabic-speaking team helps Pomona Valley families navigate F3 family immigration.
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