Who receives the green card first in F3: the principal or the derivatives?

The F3 category is intended for married adult children of U.S. citizens and includes, besides the principal applicant, their dependents – usually the spouse and minor children. This type of petition is known as Family Based, and the way the processes unfold can raise questions about the order of green card issuance.

Generally, the green card application process for the F3 category starts with the principal beneficiary, that is, the married adult child. This beneficiary has their case reviewed and approved first, and only afterward can the dependents (called “derivatives”) proceed with the green card issuance process.

This means that, practically and technically, the principal typically receives green card approval before their derivative family members. However, it is important to remember that once the principal beneficiary obtains approval and the priority date is current according to the Visa Bulletin, dependents can also have their cases completed within a relatively close timeframe, often in rapid sequence if all conditions are met.

It is worth emphasizing the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and consulting reliable and specialized immigration sources to stay informed about deadlines, regulatory updates, and required documentation. Avoid falling for scams or marketing campaigns promising guaranteed or miraculous results in this process, as every case is unique and rules can change at any time.

In summary, in the F3 category, the principal beneficiary usually has their green card approved first, serving as a reference so that dependents can follow with their processes in a coordinated manner shortly thereafter. Staying well informed and seeking appropriate guidance is essential for a correct and secure procedure.

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.