What are ‘accompanying’ and ‘following to join’ in F3?

In the context of Family Based visas, specifically in the F3 category (which includes married children of U.S. citizens), the terms “accompanying” and “following to join” refer to the ways dependent family members can join the primary applicant during the immigration process to the United States.

“Accompanying” means that dependents – usually the spouse and children of the principal applicant – travel together with the person immigrating on the date the visa is issued. In other words, these family members enter with the primary applicant on the trip to the United States immediately after the immigrant visa approval. This option can expedite family reunification, avoiding the need for relatives to wait in their country of origin for additional procedures after the principal applicant’s arrival.

On the other hand, the term “following to join” is used when dependents do not travel together with the principal applicant but intend to follow later, once the principal is established in the United States. In this situation, the entry of these family members is conducted through somewhat different procedures, where they must apply for their visas as dependents after arrival or according to the guidance of the immigration process. It is important to pay attention to specific deadlines and rules for “following to join,” as this procedure may be subject to regulations that, if not complied with, could impact the dependents” entry into the country.

It is worth emphasizing that, regardless of the option chosen, it is essential to strictly follow all United States immigration laws. Considering the complexity that may involve family members entering at different times, it is always advisable to seek detailed information through official channels or specialized professionals in the area. Always look for serious and reputable services or institutions, avoiding falling for miraculous promises or marketing campaigns that assure results without a detailed analysis of each case.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.