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Family Sponsored Third Preference (F3)

The Third Preference category F3 is available to individuals who are a married child of a United States citizen. The age of the child is not taken into account under this preference category, only the child’s marital status. 

What is the Process for Applying for a Family Preference Green Card? 

Third Preference F3 family members may apply for a Green Card either through Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status.

Consular Processing

Consular processing is available for applicants who are currently living outside of the United States.

Under consular processing, applicants must:

  1. File an Immigrant Visa Petition Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
  2. Attend Interview at Consulate or Embassy;
  3. Receive a sealed Visa Packet after Visa is approved;
    1. The Visa Packet must be brought to a United States port of entry when the individual seeks entry into the United States, and must not be opened prior to arrival at the port of entry.

Adjusting Status

Adjustment of Status is available for applicants who are living inside of the United States at the time of they seek a Green Card.

Under adjustment of status, applicants must:

  1. File an Immigrant Visa Petition Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative to the USCIS;
  2. File a Change of Status Petition Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
  3. Submit Supporting and Identifying Documentation with Form I-130 and Form I-485, including: 
  4. Attend an Application Support Center Appointment after Form I-485 is filed to provide fingerprints, photograph, a signature, and an acknowledgement that the applicant has provided true and accurate information;
  5. Attend an Interview, similar to consular processing, if required;
  6. Receive notice of approval of change of status in the mail and Green Card document.

What is the Cost to Receive a Green Card Under Family Preference F3?

Immigrant Visa Petition 

The cost to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative is $535.

Biometrics Services Appointment 

The cost of the Biometrics Services Appointment is $85. However, individuals under the age of 14 or over the age of 79 do not have to pay this fee.

Form I-485

The cost to file Form I-485 can vary depending on age. For most applicants the cost is $1,140. However, individuals who are under the age of 14 applying with Form I-485 of at least one parent must only pay $750.

Other Forms

There is no cost to file:

The cost to file Form I-212 and Form I-601 is each $930.

Sweta Khandelwal

Sweta completed her Masters in Law from the University of California, Los Angeles and her JD from the Faculty of Law, Delhi University in India and has been practicing law for 15+ years getting visas, green cards, and citizenship for 1000+ clients, 100+ companies across 50+ nationalities.

Sweta has been recognized as a ” Super Lawyer, Rising Star,” and as amongst the ” Top 40 under 40″ immigration attorneys in California (American Society of Legal Advocates). She is also the recipient of the Advocacy Award by the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Sweta is also a chartered accountant — the equivalent of a CPA. This makes her uniquely positioned to understand the immigration needs of her business clients in the broader context of their corporate objectives.

Sweta is actively involved with immigration issues and immigrant communities in various capacities. She has assumed key roles at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), both at the local and national level. She has been a past chair at the Santa Clara Valley Chapter at AILA and has also been involved in various practice area committees at AILA National. Sweta has addressed multiple conferences/forums in the United States and worldwide on immigration and business issues.