F2A is a subcategory of the second preference for family-based immigration, for spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of Lawful Permanent Residents. Approximately 87,900 visas are available annually (77% of F2 category).
Current Priority Dates
Current bulletin dates
(F2A)Historical Trends
Visa Bulletin trends
Eligibility Requirements
Sponsor Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Permanent Resident (green card holder)
- Must provide front and back copy of green card
- Financial capability proof (affidavit of support)
Beneficiary Requirements
Spouse:
- Legal marriage
- Genuine and valid marriage
Children:
- Under 21 years old
- Unmarried
- Biological child, stepchild, or adopted child
Application Process
Phase 1: I-130 Petition
-
Prepare Documents
- Sponsor's green card copy
- Marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (children)
- Beneficiary's passport and photos
-
File I-130
- Can submit online or by mail
- Pay filing fee
- Keep receipt as proof of priority date
Phase 2: Wait for Priority Date
- F2A wait times are typically shorter than other family categories
- Monitor monthly visa bulletin closely
- Prepare follow-up documents when priority date is current or close
Phase 3: Green Card Application
Consular Processing:
- Complete DS-260 online form
- Submit I-864 affidavit of support
- Medical exam and interview
Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.):
- File I-485
- Can concurrently apply for work permit and travel document
F2A vs Immediate Relatives
If Sponsor Naturalizes
When the green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen:
- Spouse: Automatically converts to IR-1 (immediate relative), no wait time
- Children (under 21): Automatically converts to IR-2 (immediate relative), no wait time
- Children (21+): Converts to F1 category
Tip: If sponsor is about to naturalize, it may be worth waiting for the faster category.
Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)
Preventing Age-Out
If a child is about to turn 21 during the waiting period:
- Calculate CSPA age to determine if protected
- Turning 21 will convert to F2B category
- F2B wait times are typically much longer than F2A
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in the U.S. while waiting?
You can visit briefly with legal status (such as tourist visa), but illegal overstay is not recommended.
Can spouse and children apply together?
Each beneficiary needs a separate I-130 petition, but they can be filed simultaneously.
What if the sponsor naturalizes?
The case automatically converts to a higher preference category without needing to refile.