The F2A and F2B visas are both part of the U.S. family preference visa categories, allowing lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members to come to the United States. While both visas serve relatives of green card holders, they differ in terms of eligibility and priority. This guide explains the distinctions between F2A and F2B visas, the application process, and what family members can expect regarding wait times and priority categories.
1. What Are the F2A and F2B Visa Categories?
The F2A and F2B visas are subcategories of the F2 Family Preference Category, designed for family members of U.S. green card holders. This category enables lawful permanent residents to bring their close family members to the U.S. based on specific eligibility requirements.
- F2A Visa: For spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years) of U.S. permanent residents.
- F2B Visa: For unmarried adult children (21 years or older) of U.S. permanent residents.
Each category has a unique priority level and processing time based on demand and annual limits.
2. Key Differences Between F2A and F2B Visas
| Aspect | F2A Visa | F2B Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Family Members | Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders | Unmarried adult children (21 or older) of green card holders |
| Priority Level | Higher priority within the F2 category | Lower priority within the F2 category |
| Processing Time | Generally faster due to higher priority | Typically longer due to higher demand and lower priority |
| Visa Cap | Approximately 77% of the F2 category visas | Approximately 23% of the F2 category visas |
F2A visas have a higher priority because they support immediate family members (spouses and minor children), while F2B visas cater to adult children, which is considered a lower-priority family relationship in the U.S. immigration system.
3. Eligibility Criteria for F2A and F2B Visas
F2A Visa Eligibility:
To qualify for the F2A visa, the applicant must be:
- The spouse of a U.S. lawful permanent resident.
- An unmarried child under 21 years old of a U.S. lawful permanent resident.
F2B Visa Eligibility:
The F2B visa is for:
- Unmarried sons or daughters (21 years or older) of a U.S. lawful permanent resident.
If a son or daughter marries, they become ineligible for the F2B visa, as married children of green card holders cannot apply under this family preference category.
4. Visa Caps and Priority System
Each fiscal year, the U.S. sets visa caps for family preference categories. The F2 category is allocated 114,200 visas annually, but this total is split between F2A and F2B, with priority given to the F2A category.
- F2A Priority: Approximately 77% of the F2 category visas are allocated to F2A applicants. This priority allocation helps spouses and minor children receive visas more quickly.
- F2B Priority: About 23% of the F2 category visas are designated for F2B applicants, which leads to longer wait times.
Due to this prioritization, F2A applicants typically experience shorter wait times, while F2B applicants may face extended backlogs, especially if demand is high.
5. Processing Times for F2A and F2B Visas
Processing times for F2A and F2B visas vary based on demand, the applicant’s country of origin, and U.S. visa limits.
F2A Visa Processing Times:
- Wait times are generally shorter due to high prioritization. However, wait times can still vary between a few months to a few years, depending on visa availability.
- F2A visas sometimes become “current” in the Visa Bulletin, meaning visas are immediately available for applicants in this category.
F2B Visa Processing Times:
- F2B processing times are typically longer, often ranging from 5 to over 10 years. Countries with high demand, such as Mexico and the Philippines, may experience even longer wait times due to backlogs.
- Applicants in this category may experience priority date retrogression, meaning the visa availability date may move backward, further extending wait times.
To check current processing times, applicants should refer to the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin, which is updated monthly.
6. How to Apply for F2A and F2B Visas
The application process for both F2A and F2B visas involves several steps, with only minor variations in documentation.
Steps for Application:
- File Form I-130: The U.S. green card holder (petitioner) files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the qualifying relationship.
- Wait for Priority Date to Become Current: Once USCIS approves the I-130, the application enters the visa queue, and applicants wait for their priority date to become current based on the Visa Bulletin.
- Complete DS-260: After the priority date is current, applicants complete Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application, and submit supporting documents through the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Attend Consular Interview: Applicants outside the U.S. must attend an interview at a U.S. consulate in their home country. During the interview, applicants present their documents and undergo background checks.
- Receive Visa and Enter the U.S.: Upon approval, the applicant receives the visa and can travel to the U.S., where they become a lawful permanent resident.
For applicants within the U.S., an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) may be filed once the priority date becomes current.
7. Documents Required for F2A and F2B Visas
Applicants for both F2A and F2B visas need similar documentation, though specifics can vary based on individual circumstances.
- Form I-130 Approval Notice: Proof of I-130 petition approval.
- Birth Certificate: To prove the familial relationship with the U.S. sponsor.
- Marriage Certificate: Required for spouses under the F2A category.
- Unmarried Status Affidavit: For F2B applicants, proof of unmarried status may be required.
- Passport: Valid passport for each applicant.
- Police Certificates: Required for the applicant and any dependents over a certain age.
- Medical Examination: Completed with a U.S.-approved physician before the visa interview.
Gathering all required documentation and ensuring it is current will help avoid delays in processing.
8. Changes in Family Status and Its Impact on F2A and F2B Visas
Family status changes can affect F2A and F2B visa eligibility:
- Turning 21 Years Old: If a child on an F2A visa petition turns 21 before the visa is issued, they “age out” and may switch to the F2B category. In some cases, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) allows the applicant to retain their F2A eligibility, depending on processing delays.
- Marriage of F2B Applicant: If an F2B applicant marries, they lose eligibility for the F2B visa, as married children of green card holders cannot be sponsored under this category.
Petitioners and applicants should notify USCIS of any changes in family status to prevent delays or issues with the application.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I switch from F2B to F2A if my parent becomes a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if the petitioner becomes a U.S. citizen, an F2B applicant can transition to the Immediate Relative (IR) category, which has no visa cap or priority date wait.
2. Do F2A and F2B visa holders need a sponsor?
Yes, the green card holder sponsor (petitioner) must file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to show financial capability to support the beneficiary.
3. How can I check my priority date?
Check the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin monthly to see if your priority date is current for your visa category.
4. Can F2A and F2B applicants work in the U.S. immediately upon arrival?
Yes, as lawful permanent residents, F2A and F2B visa holders can work without needing an additional work permit.
5. What happens if my F2A child “ages out”?
If an F2A child turns 21, they may shift to the F2B category, but the CSPA may allow them to retain F2A status, depending on processing delays.
6. Can F2B applicants expedite their visa processing?
Expediting is rare, as F2B is a preference category subject to annual limits. However, applicants can monitor the Visa Bulletin for priority date updates.