Visto n' Visa
Blog
Notícias e artigos
Destinations
Careers
Immigrants

Is it true that the F3 category has a longer waiting line?

The F3 category, for married sons and daughters of American citizens, has a longer waiting line due to high demand and the limited annual visa supply.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on January 26, 2025
2 min read
Share

When we talk about Family Based visas in the United States, we understand that each category has its specificities, both in terms of requirements and timeframes. The F3 category, which covers married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, is known to have a longer waiting line compared to other family categories. This happens because, historically, the demand for the F3 category is high and the number of visas made available annually is limited.

This scarcity, combined with the high demand, generates a considerable backlog of cases and, consequently, prolonged waiting times. On the other hand, other categories, such as F1 (for unmarried sons and daughters of American citizens), also face long waits, but the backlog in the F3 category tends to be even more significant.

It is important to emphasize that waiting times can vary greatly over the years due to changes in immigration policies, the balance between visa supply and demand, and constant updates from the responsible departments. For this reason, it is essential to periodically follow the Visa Bulletin, the official publication that provides priority dates and deadlines for each category.

Remember that strict compliance with immigration laws is essential. To navigate this complex process and avoid misunderstandings or fraud, it is recommended to seek information from official sources and specialized companies or professionals. This way, it is easier to understand the nuances of each category and act according to the current regulations in the United States.

In summary, yes, it is true that the F3 category usually has a longer waiting line, reflecting both the high demand and the restrictions imposed by the limited number of visas available each year.

Learn more about Family Based Visa

All about Family Based Visa
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.

Victoria's tips

Is it true that the F3 category has a longer waiting line?

The F3 category, for married sons and daughters of American citizens, has a longer waiting line due to high demand and the limited annual visa supply.

Recommended reading about Family Based

More content about Family Based