Can F2A and F3 have the same priority date?

Family Based categories F2A and F3 belong to distinct groups and, despite this, in certain situations their priority dates can coincide.

The priority date is the initial milestone of the immigration process and is determined on the date the petition is properly filed with the immigration service. In the case of F2A, which generally includes lawful permanent residents and their spouses and children, the priority date is established when the petition is registered.

In the F3 category, intended for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, the priority date is also set at the time the petition is filed. If, by chance, petitions in both categories are filed on the same day, it is technically possible for them to have the same priority date.

However, even if the date itself coincides, each category follows its own schedule and has different processing times and visa issuance limits, which can result in significant variations in the waiting time for case progression. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully monitor updates of the monthly visa bulletin and be attentive to any changes that might occur.

Remember the importance of complying with U.S. immigration laws and seeking support from experienced professionals only through trustworthy sources to avoid scams or unrealistic promises. Thorough knowledge and careful monitoring of the rules details are essential for the process to proceed in accordance with current legislation.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.