Q. What Is F2 and F3 Visa?

Both F2 and F3 Visa holders can reside in the USA with their far-off family members belonging to the class of US citizens or LPRs (Lawful Permanent Residents). Featuring under Family Preference Visas, an F2 visa is eligible for minor kids, spouses, and unwed sons and daughters of 21 years of age or more of LPRs. Almost 70% of Visas offered under this classification are allotted to children and spouses, and the rest are issued to sons and daughters who are unmarried. 

The F3 Visa category includes the married sons and daughters of US citizens who will visit the US along with their minor children and spouses. These Third Preference Family  Visas are immigrant visas for married children of US citizens. However, these Green Cards can be obtained by immediate relatives of a US citizen or an LPR, be it their spouse, child, parent, or sibling. An F-3 visa qualifies the married children of US citizens to reside permanently along with their minor children and spouse. They can also get employed legally minus an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), with only a Social Security number to be admitted for studies, travel abroad, and reach the US. 

Application Process For F2 Visa

• The initial step to apply for an F-2 visa is filling out Form I-20A-B.
• If presenting your petition from a Consulate of the US, you must also submit Form DS-160. Your application package must contain all of your supporting documents and a valid passport.
• While filing as a dependent, ensure that you enclose a copy of your marriage or birth certificate.

Application Process For F3 Visa

• A sponsor has to complete a petition for the reunion of their child.
• This petition is sent to the USCIS, and if approved, the application is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
• NVC delivers documents and instructions to the foreign applicant.