F3

F3 Immigrant Visa for Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The F3 visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens to permanently live and work in the United States. This category also allows the spouse and unmarried minor children of the principal applicant to immigrate as derivative beneficiaries.
The F3 category remains available in 2026 for Kazakhstan citizens, subject to annual numerical limits and priority dates.

F3 belongs to the family preference system and typically involves long waiting periods.

Who qualifies for the F3 visa

An applicant may qualify for an F3 visa if:

• The petitioner is a U.S. citizen

• The applicant is the married son or daughter of the U.S. citizen

• A legally valid parent-child relationship exists

• The marriage of the applicant is legally recognized

Unlike F1, marriage is required for F3 eligibility.

What the F3 visa allows

• Permanent residence in the United States

• Legal employment without additional work authorization

• Study at U.S. educational institutions

• Free movement in and out of the United States

• Access to a Social Security number and U.S. services

• Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future

• Immigration of the applicant’s spouse and minor children

Permanent resident status begins immediately upon entry.

What the F3 visa does NOT allow

• Immigration for unmarried adult children (F1 category applies instead)

• Sponsorship without a legally proven parent-child relationship

• Avoidance of priority date waiting periods

• Ignoring immigration compliance obligations

Changes in marital or family status must be reported.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may apply if:

• They are the biological, adopted, or stepchild of a U.S. citizen

• They are legally married

• The relationship with the U.S. citizen parent is legally documented

• The U.S. citizen parent agrees to act as financial sponsor

The applicant’s place of residence does not affect eligibility.

What immigration officers really check

Authorities primarily evaluate:

• Validity of the parent-child relationship

• Legitimacy of the applicant’s marriage

• Consistency of civil documentation

• Immigration history of the family

• Absence of fraud indicators

The process is relationship-based, not document-count based.

Financial sponsorship requirements

The U.S. citizen parent must:

• File an Affidavit of Support

• Meet minimum income requirements under U.S. law

• Accept long-term financial responsibility for the applicant and derivatives

A joint sponsor may be used if necessary.

Validity and permanent residence rules

• Entry to the U.S. grants permanent resident status

• Green Card allows unlimited residence, work, and study

• Derivative family members receive permanent resident status as well

• Long absences may affect resident status

Permanent residence carries legal obligations.

Priority dates and waiting periods

• F3 visas are subject to annual numerical limits

• Applicants must wait for their priority date to become current

• Waiting times are often longer than F1 and F2 categories

• Visa bulletin movement determines final timing

Processing commonly takes many years.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most denials occur due to:

• Insufficient proof of parent-child relationship

• Invalid or unrecognized marriage

• Financial sponsorship issues

• Prior immigration violations

• Inconsistent or incomplete documentation

Accurate documentation and patience are critical.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Filing an immigrant petition by the U.S. citizen parent

• Waiting for the priority date to become current

• Case processing through USCIS and the National Visa Center

• Submission of civil and financial documents

• Medical examination

• Immigrant visa interview

• Entry to the U.S. as a permanent resident

Processing time varies significantly.

Important note for 2026

• F3 visas are available in 2026, subject to quotas

• Waiting periods are mandatory

• Priority date movement determines final approval timing

Unsure if F3 is the right category?

Before applying, it is recommended to evaluate marital status eligibility, derivative family planning, and long-term waiting timelines.
A professional assessment helps avoid delays and category errors.