Does F2B have priority over F3?

Family Based visa categories have specific rules and processing queues defined by the United States Department of State, and it is important to understand that each category follows its own schedule, established through the “priority date” system. Thus, comparing one category to another-in this case, F2B versus F3-does not exactly mean that one has “priority” of processing over the other absolutely.

For example, the F2B category refers to unmarried sons and daughters over 21 years old of lawful permanent residents, while F3 is for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. Each category has a certain number of visas available per year, which implies that wait times can vary significantly. At certain times, the cutoff date for F2B may be more advanced than that of F3, or vice versa, depending on the numbers and demand consolidated in the Visa Bulletin.

Therefore, it is not correct to state generically that F2B has priority over F3 or the opposite; what changes is the processing dynamics of each category over time. It is essential to follow the official Department of State bulletins as they indicate, month by month, the current cutoff dates for each category and country. In this way, applicants can have a more precise idea of the wait times currently in effect for their specific case.

We also remind that for any immigration process, following official laws and guidelines is crucial. Always seek updated information through government channels and be cautious of dubious offers promising guaranteed results, avoiding possible scams and deceptive marketing campaigns.

In summary, the term “priority” in the context of Family Based processes refers to the filing date and visa availability for each category, and not necessarily to a fixed order between F2B and F3. It is recommended to stay informed and conduct periodic checks on official sources to understand how the progress of your case may be affected over time.

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.