Are you looking to sponsor your married child but unsure where to start? In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information to make the process easier and quicker than ever. From sponsorship requirements to frequently asked questions about sponsoring married children.
With over 15 years of experience in immigration, Immigration Global is committed to supporting you in the journey of sponsoring your children. Let’s explore useful information together to gradually turn your dream of reunion into reality!
Main Topics
- Who is eligible to sponsor married children to the U.S.?
- What category do parents use to sponsor married children?
- How long does it take for parents to sponsor married children?
- What is the process for sponsoring married children for U.S. immigration?
- Required documents for sponsoring married children
- Frequently asked questions about sponsoring married children
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SPONSOR MARRIED CHILDREN TO THE U.S.?
Citizenship not only gives you the chance to reunite with your family but also offers many other benefits, such as the right to vote and access to welfare programs. If you wish to reunite with your family or enjoy these benefits, becoming a U.S. citizen is a crucial step you should not overlook.
WHAT CATEGORY DO U.S. CITIZEN PARENTS SPONSOR MARRIED CHILDREN UNDER?
The processing time for the F3 category can take between 12 to 13 years. This is due to the limited number of visas available, and to ensure that close family relationships are reunited quickly, the system is divided into priority categories.
For example, if U.S. citizen parents are sponsoring unmarried children under 21, the process is much faster, taking only 1-2 years.
Note: If during the sponsorship process, the child gets divorced or their spouse passes away, the case may be switched to the F1 category. This can significantly shorten the sponsorship time.
If you want to learn more about the processing times for other sponsorship categories for children, refer to the article “Sponsoring Children to the U.S.” We have a summary table of processing times for your convenience.
The F3 sponsorship process includes several important steps, from application submission to interview. To ensure that your child can legally and quickly immigrate to the U.S., here are the detailed steps in the sponsorship process for U.S. citizen parents sponsoring married children.
1. Prepare the Sponsorship Application
First, parents can start by preparing the sponsorship application for their child. To save time and reduce the chance of errors, you can refer to the section “Required Documents for Sponsoring Married Children” below.
2. Submit the Sponsorship Application to USCIS
- Complete and Submit Form I-130: The sponsor (U.S. citizen parent) must complete Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and submit it to USCIS along with any required attachments.
- Pay Fees: You can check the required fees on the USCIS Fee Schedule page.
3. Receive Notification from USCIS
- Wait for Processing: After submitting the application, USCIS will review it and send a notification about the results, which can take from a few months to over a year.
- Approval Notification: If approved, USCIS will send Form I-797, the approval notice.
4. Transfer the Case to the National Visa Center (NVC)
- Transfer Case: The application will be forwarded to the NVC after USCIS approval.
- Receive Notification from NVC: The NVC will send a notification along with the case number and further instructions.
5. Pay Fees and Complete the Application
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- Pay Fees: The sponsor must pay the necessary fees through the NVC online system.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide additional documents, including Form DS-260 (Visa Application), financial documents, and proof of relationship.
6. Receive Interview Notification
The NVC will schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and notify both the sponsor and the child about the time and location.
7. Complete Medical Examination and Vaccinations
The child must complete a medical examination and required vaccinations to qualify for the visa.
8. Prepare for and Attend the Interview
- Prepare for the Interview: Both the sponsor and the child should prepare the necessary documents for the interview.
- Interview: The child will be asked questions about their relationship with the sponsor and other personal information.
9. Receive Visa and Enter the U.S.
- Visa Issuance: If the interview is successful, your child will receive an F3 visa. The NVC will send the visa and necessary documents for entry.
- Entry: Upon arrival in the U.S., the child will present the visa and documents at the port of entry, becoming a lawful permanent resident with the right to live in the U.S.
Note: If the child is already in the U.S., once Form I-130 is approved, the parents must submit Form I-485 for the child to adjust status from temporary to permanent resident.
Are you unsure where to start? Don’t worry! Here’s a list of essential documents to submit to USCIS. This information will help you prepare a complete application for a smooth start.
- Form I-130: Submit the signed Form I-130 along with the filing fee.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Include a copy of your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.
- Name Change Certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of Relationship:
| Sponsor Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Biological Mother | – Copy of the child’s birth certificate. |
| Biological Father | – Copy of the child’s birth certificate. |
| – Copy of marriage certificate to the child’s mother. | |
| – If no longer married, proof of marriage termination (death certificate, divorce decree). | |
| – If never married, proof of actual parent-child relationship before the child turned 21 or married. | |
| Step-Parent | – Copy of the child’s birth certificate. |
| – Copy of marriage certificate to the child’s biological parent. | |
| – Proof of termination of any previous marriage. | |
| Adoptive Parent | – Original copy of the child’s birth certificate. |
| – Copy of the final adoption decree. | |
| – Proof of legal custody for 2 years. | |
| – Evidence of actual custody for 2 years (time lived with the child). |
CONCLUSION
We have covered the necessary information for U.S. citizen parents sponsoring married children under the F3 category. We hope this guide has helped you better understand the process and requirements.
If you want to learn more about other cases related to child sponsorship, please check out the following articles:
If you have any questions, please contact us:
📧 Email: immglobal2002@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 0942 675 567
As attorneys at Immigration Global, we are committed to addressing your situation and needs with our legal knowledge and experience. Let us accompany you on your journey to the American dream!
